John Wayne Raiford

North Augusta, SC—Funeral Services for Mr. John Wayne Raiford, 82, who entered into eternal life on March 18, 2025, will be conducted this Saturday at 11 o’clock from the Sweetwater Baptist Church with Dr. Paul W. Noe officiating. Interment will follow in Pineview Memorial Park. Wayne made North Augusta his home for most of his life. He attended Saluda High School and was proud to be a Saluda Tiger! Wayne was known as “53” by his much-loved coach, Mooney Player and considered Coach Player as one of the most influential people in his life for teaching him to live with integrity and confidence in the gifts the Lord gave him. For many years Wayne regularly met with some of his fellow Tigers known as the Over the Hill Gang. Wayne joined his father’s business, Raco Oil Company, in the early 1960’s and soon grew the business to 15 gas stations. He ventured into carwashes, laundromats, mini-warehouses and even built the Sleep Inn in North Augusta. In later years he developed subdivisions in Aiken and Edgefield Counties including his favorite, Three Runs Plantation in Aiken. Wayne was best known by his community as Wacky Wayne of Wacky Wayne’s Fireworks. He entered the fireworks business in 1962 and in later years gained a partner and best friend in Kent Phillips. Wayne was a fisherman and a hunter and had a room full of large trophy animals from trips to Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Spain, Zimbabwe and South Africa. As a young man on a dive trip in the Gulf, he caught a world’s record fish. Not realizing it was a world record; he ate it and shared it with his friends! He and Linda made a home in Edisto Island, SC where they enjoyed time with family and friends, and he spent many days deep sea fishing off the coast. Most importantly, Wayne committed his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 30. He will be remembered for his love for the Lord and his love for people. He was well known for his generosity and was always willing to share his faith. Many came to know Jesus through Wayne’s witness. For the past 30 years he started each morning studying God’s word and listening to his favorite radio pastor, Dr. David Jeremiah. Wayne was an active member of Sweetwater Baptist Church. Wayne lived his last 26 years on this earth with his beautiful wife, Linda Lee Raiford. He will be forever loved by Linda and his daughters, Leigh Ann Wagher (Travis) and Noelle Raiford (Mildred Nelson). Wayne was so proud of his two grandchildren, Caroline Kenrick Hall (Chris) and Robert Kyle Kenrick (Sarah). “Papa” will be greatly missed by his great grandchildren, Pace Kenrick, John Wayne Kenrick, Belle Kenrick, Channing Hall, and Creed Hall. Wayne was loved and admired by his sister, Wanda Parkin (the late Malcolm Parkin) and his brother, Tony Raiford (Mary). Wayne’s beloved son, John Wayne Raiford, Jr., along with his son-in-law, Matthew Hamilton Keels, and his mother and father, John Wilson Raiford and Margie Durden Raiford were waiting to greet him as he began his eternal life. Pallbearers include Travis Wagher, Kent Phillips, Joe Kirkland, Jay Bass, Jim Reece, and Allen Simmons. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this Friday evening from 5 until 8. Memorials may be made to Sweetwater Baptist Church, 198 Sweetwater Road, North Augusta, SC, 29860.

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John Wayne Raiford

June 25, 1942 - March 18, 2025