Rayford East

Surrounded by family, Rayford E. East, 84, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015, after an extended illness. Mr. East was born August 9, 1930 in the small town of New Site, Alabama. He was the son of Homer Talmadge East and Grace Frealon Day. Rayford was the youngest boy of thirteen siblings. Mr. East graduated from New Site High School. He attended Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama in pursuit of a degree in Accounting. Putting his education on hold, he enlisted and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. A weekend leave in Seattle Washington, found him meeting the love of his life, Rosemary Ewing, at a church picnic. At the completion of his military service, Mr. East returned to Alabama with a goal to complete his education and start a family. He completed courses and obtained his accounting degree at Jacksonville State University and University of Alabama. Mr. East went on to receive his CPA certificate in Odessa, Texas. Rayford began an extensive accounting career with Wooster and Andrews, CPA's, staff accountant (1955-59), Anniston, AL; Sproles, Woodard, Laverty and McGee, CPA's, staff accountant (1959), Odessa, Texas; Rodman - Noel Oil Corp, chief accountant (1959-1963), Odessa, Texas; Conrad, Hoey, East and Co., CPA's, General Partner (1963-1965), Charlotte, NC.; Conrad Hoey, East and Co., CPA's, Senior Partner (1965-1985)Spartanburg, SC. In 1985, Mr. East merged Conrad, Hoey, East and Co with the firm of Cherry, Bekaert and Holland, CPA's. He retired in May, 1988 at the age of 58. He continued to assist clients with accounting and financial/estate planning. Ray East was a professional and community oriented person. He was the recipient of the Outstanding Executive Award, Odessa, Texas. He was associated with many organizations to include AICPA; South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas Association of CPA's, past director of the Spartanburg Chapter of the National Association of Accountants; member of the Spartanburg Estate planning council; Board of Directors for the Civitan Workshop for the handicapped. The many community involvements also include the Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross (director), Spartanburg Civitan Club (director); Junior Achievement of Spartanburg (director); Board member of the Spartanburg Country Club (treasurer); Member of the Roman Catholic Knights of Columbus; Member of the City of Spartanburg Development Board; Recipient of the Outstanding Citizen of the Community of Spartanburg; Recognized in Who's Who Executives in the South and South East. Mr. East loved and was loved by many. He loved his family. He enjoyed family trips, cruises, and looked forward to his yearly Alabama family reunions. He loved working in his yard, walking the beach and traveling to see his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed watching Alabama Football (Roll Tide!!), old western movies, and was an avid NASCAR fan. Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosemary Ewing East; children, Michael James East (Kathy Powell), Monroe, VA, Theresa East Panter (Allan), Gainesville, GA and Angela East Pruitt (Ronnie), Spartanburg, SC; nine grandchildren: Matthew Talmadge East (Brentz), Lynchburg, VA, Rebecca East, Williamsburg, VA, Brittany Rose Poole (Blake), Lula, GA, James Jeremy Panter, Gainesville, GA, Haley Ray Panter, Gainesville, GA, Joshua Edward-Clark Panter, Gainesville, GA, R. Thomas Pruitt III (Lauren) Spartanburg, SC, Brandon Ray Pruitt (Skylar) Norfolk, VA, Jonathan Michael Pruitt, Spartanburg, SC; seven great grandchildren; and three sisters: Mildred East Vickers, Eufaula, AL, Aquilla East Gilliland, Alexander City, AL, and Lorez East Durden, Sylacauga, AL. The family will receive friends 5:00-8:30 PM Monday, May 25, 2015, with the Rosary at 7:30 PM, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 290 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302, by the Rev. Timothy M. Gahan and the Rev. Robert L. Mahaffey. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (checks made payable in memory of Rayford E. East) 901 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or online at www.alz.org; or St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Building Fund, 161 North Dean Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. The family wishes to extend their love and gratitude to Regional Hospice Care and Home Instead Senior Care. Special thanks to Home Instead Senior Care especially Amanda Rhyne, Tammy Johnson, Betty Gist, Eddie Thompson, Amber Cook, and Amanda West. We were blessed to have you. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rayford E. East please visit our Sympathy Store.