Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Reford “Ray” Weldon will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Pilgrims Rest Church #2. Rev. Stephen Dempsey and Joshua Weldon will be officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Pilgrims Rest Church Cemetery.

While surrounded by his loving family, Ray left this walk of life on Sunday, November 27, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Buddy” Weldon and Jean Wall Weldon; his daughter, Kimberly Weldon; his grandparents, Reford and Louise Weldon; one aunt, Deborah Thompson; his mother-in-law, Debra Keel; and his grandfather-in-law, Perry “P.D.” Culver.

Left to cherish the memory of Ray are his wife of 30 years, Melissa Weldon; his four children, Kristin Brooks, Brittany Christopher, Kara (Brett) Skinner, and Joshua (Javonda) Weldon; eight grandchildren, Dalton Wall, Shelby Wall, Addi Brooks, Mayleigh Smith, Noah Christopher, Brettny Skinner, Sebastian Skinner, and Ella Skinner; his two sisters, Lynn McRobert and Connie Hughes; one brother, Neil Weldon; many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Patricia (Steve) Wilson; his grandmother-in-law, Ruby Culver; and his father-in-law, Larry Keel.

Pallbearers will be Brett Skinner, Sebastian Skinner, Dalton Wall, Opie Keel, Brandon Keel, Ricky Hall, and Rick Hall.

Ray was a wonderful and amazing man, a force to be reckoned with, and a true provider for his family. He was a devoted and compassionate husband to his adored wife, Melissa and an unbelievable father to his children. It has often been said that his children would fight over who he loved best, leaving Melissa to feel like she won every time. In Ray’s spare time he had many things he loved doing to include playing Chess with his grandson Noah, announcing all of Mayleigh Grace’s “Entertainment Purposes”, listening to music of all kinds while also mastering the air-guitar, watching Alabama football of which he was an enormous fan, officiating AHSAA baseball and some football, and being the best husband, father, and grandfather, his family could ask for. Ray drove a truck for many years, recently driving for Tanner Industries, and his passion was being able to drive cross-country and see the beauty our country provides. He never failed to be available for his family, especially when they needed him most, and knowing he has left us here on earth leaves our hearts with an unimaginable void. Our lives are better by knowing Ray, loving Ray, and being a part of Ray’s life. He never met a stranger, and he will never be forgotten.