Rev. Rayton Penn Puckett

Rev. Rayton Penn Puckett, age 92, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior January 31, 2023.

Rayton was born February 17, 1930, to Falus Penn and Mabel Bolt Puckett in Carroll County, VA, the youngest of ten children.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Faith Montgomery Puckett, his brothers, Serle, Maynard and Paul; sisters Olla, Audrey, Evelyn, Kathryn, Nina and Geraldine.

Rayton proudly served his country in the United States Army.  Prior to leaving for service, he fell in love with Faith Maureen Montgomery and vowed to marry her upon his return.  Together they raised four children.  Rayton was called to the ministry in 1958.  As a team, he and Faith committed to spreading the love of Christ to all who would listen, sharing the good news that eternity in heaven awaits for all who place their faith and trust in Christ as Savior.  Their ministry together continued until Faith’s home-going after 63 years of marriage.

Rayton’s calling led him to pastor churches throughout NC and VA:  Willis Gap Baptist Church, Ararat, VA, Ivy Green Baptist Church, Mt. Airy, NC, Little Mountain Baptist Church, Ararat, NC, Northwest Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC, Belle Meadows Baptist Church, Bristol, VA, retiring from Antioch Baptist Church in Bristol, VA.  He became a full-time evangelist in 1997, which enabled him to do what he loved best; spread the Gospel. He was a wise and loving mentor who could tell you the exact dates, circumstances, and names of people he met along his journey.  Rayton also had a weekly Sunday morning radio broadcast through WPAQ for 63 years.  It was his wish to continue this ministry and we are honored to do so.  He continued preaching until his illness in late 2022 and remained a member of Antioch Baptist Church. 

Rayton’s greatest joys were found studying and sharing about the Lord, spending time with his family and loved ones, being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sharing the harvest from his vast garden, reading and playing his guitar. He was a friend to all and always had a story to share. His smile brought light and comfort to any room.  If you have a Bible signed by Daddy, he likely penned Romans 8:1 near his signature; “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Irene Thompson Puckett of the home, four children, Ray Puckett (Jo), Summerfield, NC, Glenda McCormick (Donnie), Pfafftown, NC, Stan Puckett (Kay), Jonesborough, TN, Steve Puckett (Lori), Jamestown, NC. Grandchildren (and Great-grandchildren): Brandon Puckett, (Abbi and Alex); Scott Brady, Leah (Robbie) Smith, Zane McCormick, Cameron (Lizzy) Puckett, (Hutton and Pryor); Carling Achberger (Nick), (Emery and Penn), Luke Puckett (Rowan); Wyatt Puckett.

Rayton’s family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have prayed for Daddy and our family. We are humbled by the outpouring of love and we have felt the support of your prayers. Daddy’s legacy remains not only within us but in the countless lives of those he touched. Please know we are at peace and our hearts are full knowing that Daddy’s faith has now become sight. 

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man may perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight in glory;” 2Cor.4: 16-17

Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy, NC, is handling the arrangements: Friday, Feb 3, 6-9PM, Visitation and viewing. Saturday, Feb 4, 11:00AM, Service at Moody Chapel (live-stream available), followed by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pilot View Cemetery Fund, 940 Pilot View Rd, Hillsville, VA 24343.