August 24, 1926-October 26, 2025

Paul ‘Raymond’ Weatherford, 99, of Canton went to his heavenly home on October 26, 2025, in Tyler.

He was born at home in rural Van Zandt County on August 24, 1926, to Obie Edgar Weatherford and Ruby Hassie Davis Weatherford.

A memorial service celebrating Raymond’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Central Baptist Church in Athens.

Raymond grew up in the China Grove area. He married his one true love, Ernestine Crocker, on October 28, 1952. The couple had a love that endured and had grown for 73 years.

Raymond was a member of China Grove Baptist Church and was an active member for many years.

He was a hard-working, trustworthy man who was always the first to give a hand and willing to help others.

Raymond spent time in South Texas serving the Lord in a place for people to come, get help and change their way of life.

People came from all over, not just the South Texas area, and lives were changed for the better.

Raymond loved cutting horses, working with cattle, and farming the land. He dearly loved his family and gave the best hugs, hugs that let you know you were loved and safe.

Raymond’s faith and love for the Lord showed in all he did. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Obie and Ruby Weatherford; siblings, Cozette Easley, Carol Weatherford, and Lloyd Weatherford.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife, Ernestine Weatherford; children: Renee Oliver, Susan Harris and husband, Steve; Sabrina Barron and husband, Kenny; and Cregg Weatherford and wife, Barbara; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 10 greatgreat grandchildren; brothers, Bobby Weatherford and Harold Weatherford; and a host of other family and friends.