Rayfell Staples was born June 23, 1956 in Mineola, Texas, the son of Eddie Davis Staples and Donnie Lee (Walton) Staples. When he was just a toddler, his family moved from Mineola to Athens. He was baptized at an early age at Mt. Providence Baptist Church in Athens. He met and made a few lifelong friends in school where he was considered outgoing and active in many sports. Rayfell went on to graduate from Athens High School, class of 1974. After graduation, he served in the United States Navy where he experienced the world and various cultures. He later returned home to his then wife and their young daughter. Rayfell worked for Champion Homes of Athens as a roofer and carpenter, but in his free time, he loved to fish, garden and be in the outdoors. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Donnie Staples and brothers, Billy Walton and Ricky Staples.

Survivors include wife, Gloria Ray of Athens; children, Vickie Staples of Tyler, Jason Staples and wife Teresa of Tyler, Lonell Staples of Athens, Aziah Staples of Athens, Arron Ray and wife Porsha of Athens and Santonika Sanders and husband Cortney of Arlington; sister, Darnetta Brookins and husband James of Athens; grandchildren, Tre Charim and wife Desiree, Maya, Ti’Aunah, Jada, Nayah, Keaton, Akira, Keigan and Khaleesi; three great grandchildren and numerous other close family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Ray, Lonnie Ray, Dewayne Hannah, Larry Houston, Ricky Jordan, Joseph Shoftner, Sammy Joe and Wayne Conner. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Cumby, Edward Payne, David Walton, Billy Walton, Jr. and Javan Brookins.