Julius Kent Raiford, September 28, 1930 — January 31, 2019

Julius Kent Raiford September 28, 1930 – January 31, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Sympathy Card Julius Kent Raiford, age, 88 a native of Ponchatoula and long-time resident of Arcola died peacefully at home on January 31, 2019. He was a Korean War Veteran who served as a Corporal in the United States Army. He returned to Ponchatoula to become a strawberry farmer.

After farming, he began working for the United States Department of Agriculture. Eventually, he became an investigator for enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. In 1964, he married Floyce Bracey Houeye and they resided in Arcola where he enjoyed his hobby of raising produce.

He was a loving husband and father. After 34 years of service, he retired in 1993 from the U.S.D.A.

He enjoyed his hobbies and being an Elder in the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church. Floyce passed away in 2012. In 2016, he married Joyce Jenkins Doody, and they continued to reside in Arcola.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Corrine and Carlos Raiford; 1 sister, 5 brothers, and his first wife. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Raiford; his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Simeon Bankston. He has 2 grandchildren and their families: Tiffany and Brad Currier and their children, Turner and Tate; Tabitha and Jesse Blades and their daughter, Halle.

Also, step-children: Roger and Leigh Doody and their sons, Cameron and Connor; and Tracie and Robert Coon and their children, Caitlin, Mary Rogers, and Will. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and church family as he served as an Elder in the church for many years.

The family would like to express our gratitude to his sitter, Gloria Williams, and New Century Hospice. Their excellent care and compassion during his final illness is greatly appreciated. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

Services conducted by Rev. Hawley Wolfe. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.

For an online guestbook, visit www. mckneelys.com.

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