Johnnie Rayford Loftin

Johnnie Rayford Loftin, son of the late Walter and Iler Wilson Loftin was born the 9th child of 15 on July 31, 1940 in Kenansville, NC.  At predawn on March 1, 2020, his book of life was peacefully closed.

At an early age, John, as known to most, joined Jerusalem Freewill Baptist Church in Seven Springs, NC where he developed a passion for helping others.

John received his Elementary through High School education in Warsaw, NC. During high school, John was well liked and displayed notable leadership, serving as President of Future Farmers of America, Class President for four years, and a school bus driver. Before graduating from Frederick Douglass High School in 1959, he met the love of his life, Brenda A. Lee. They married in July 1960 and moved to Yonkers, New York.  While in New York, John furthered his education at New York University, New York City, NY and worked with Proctor Paint as a Paint Development Chemist until 1972, when the couple moved, with their three children, Anthony (Tony), Brenda Joyce and Qwanda (Peaches) to Durham, NC.

John, being one to never meet a stranger and quick to gain trust and confidence from others, entered the world of sales as an Agent with Life of Georgia Insurance Company. It, however, wasn’t long before he joined the workforce at Bristol-Myers (Squibb) as a Pharmaceutical Chemist, working there until his retirement in 1996 due to health issues.

After retirement, John spent much of his time enjoying his favorite hobby - FISHING. When not at the lake, John found joy in lending a helping hand to others, no matter how big or small the task. He became affectionately known to many as “Johnnie Papa” and Grand-daddy, always having a smile to share, a hand to lend and a joke to tell. We will miss his gentle and caring ways.

John was preceded in death by his one son, Anthony Leranzo Loftin (1993)

In the family wheel of 15 children, John is the 13th missing spoke and leaves to cherish his memory,

Brenda A. Lee Loftin                                                                    Wife of the home

Daughters: Brenda Joyce Loftin, Durham, NC                                       Qwanda Fisher-Jones (Troy), Greensboro, NC

Grandchildren:   Tewanoa Antonette Caviness, Durham, NC     Ashi Loftin, Irving, TX   Ashawnti Loftin, Irving,TX    Jourdain Denzel Fisher, New York, NY   Tristen Alexander Jones, Greensboro, NC

Sisters: Melissa Brown, Goldsboro, NC   Elnora DeWitt, Goldsboro, NC

Sister-In-Laws:

Mildred Loftin, Fredericksburg,VA      Carrie Loftin, Winston-Salem, NC        Queen Loftin, Mt. Vernon, NY       Irene Loftin, Mt. Vernon, NY

B. Edna Carter, Baltimore, MD    Juanita Holmes Barnes, Charlotte, NC             Roxann Lee, Avondale, AZ

Brother-in-Laws: Reginald Hodges (Helen)   Kinston, NC            Morris Lee, Nashville, TN     Robert Lee (Colleen) Charlotte, NC  

                               William Lee, Jr.  (Roxann)  Avondale, AZ

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great grandchildren, other relatives, special friends and extended family members, Sal Alverez, Kenny Rivera, and their children Mia and Christopher Gary Shi, Amy Loin and their children, Cici, Jennifer and Benjamin.

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