Rabon "Ray" Barfield

Rabon "Ray" Barfield, passed July 1, 2018, at Sandy Regional Rehabilitation Facility in Sandy, Utah.

Ray was born May 20, 1938, in Pelham, Ga., to Homer and Annie Barfield.

He was father to Brian Barfield ( Barbara), Dr. Sandi Pershing (Dr. David Pershing), and Skip Schiable (Jean). He was also a proud grandfather to Mikhail Barfield (and her three daughters), Rylee Barfield, Helena Schiable and Cameron Schiable, Quincy Parkes, Tressa Parkes, Nicole Pershing (Jason Seifert and their baby Emma).

Ray is also survived by his sister Ramona Mertz of Albany, Ga.; his sweet dog Ko Ko; and many special nieces, nephews and neighborhood children who have adopted him as their grandfather.

Ray's mother passed away when he was four and he was raised by his grandmother, his father and many aunts and uncles. He joined the navy out of high school and served as a gunner's mate on a destroyer.

He met his first wife, Pat, during that time period and together they adopted Brian. That union ended in divorce and Ray moved to Green River, where he met his present wife, Judy, and he became stepdad to Skip and Sandi. He accepted that challenge wholeheartedly and it wasn't long until the word "step" was removed from that title. Ray loved his family and was proud of each and every one of them.

Roy loved to fish, hunt, camp and watch NASCAR. His favorite driver was anyone driving a Ford. Ray was a member of the Jaycee's for many years in Washington State and a 36-year member of the Eagles. He also served in the past on the board for Trona Valley Federal Credit Union.

Ray retired in 1999 from Stauffer Chemical in Green River after a 25 year career as a mine mechanic. Ray loved his job and his coworkers.

A Celebration of Life will take place July 16, 4-6 p.m. at the Commander's House on the University of Utah Campus.