Charles A. "Charlie" Rayborn, 89, of Ashland, IL, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at his home.

He was born March 6, 1935, the son of John T. and Lucile Frances (Baker) Rayborn. Charlie married Marge Cooper and then later married Mary Lou Lee. They both preceded him in death.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (John "Bert") Harris of Ashland; granddaughters, Tiereny (Omar) Dugay and Autumn Harris, both of Ashland; great grandsons, Omar A., Diego, and Zacarias; sister, Mary Rayborn of Concord; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives; twin, John (deceased wife, Alice); and brothers and sister, David, Sarah Deason (deceased husband, Charlie), and Joe (surviving wife, Marlene of FL).

Grandpa Charlie grew up in Concord, IL, and was a member of Concord United Methodist Church. He graduated from Concord Grade School. He also attended Chapin High School. He then went to work on a farm to help the family.

When Charlie was 18, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he enjoyed serving in the mess hall. Grandpa did love to cook up until his last days! After he came home from the army, he went to work for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad on the bridge crew with his twin brother. He worked there until he decided to retire to care for his mother-in-law and then his wife. He was always ready to help anyone he could.

For his whole life, Charlie loved being outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking and fishing. Charlie was very handy and could fix just about anything. In his last year on earth, he couldn't drive but was very happy to have his daughter and grandchildren and great grandchildren chauffeur him around. He enjoyed shopping at the local dollar store, going to the meat market for his bacon, and of course to Casey's for his favorite sweet treat - donuts.

Charlie never knew a stranger and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the employees at those stores, as well as the tellers at his bank. They all made his day when they chatted with him. Charlie put a smile on everyone's face when he walked into the room. Charlie is loved more than he could ever imagine and will be greatly missed by many.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia. Burial will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4 – 6 PM on Thursday at the funeral home in Virginia. Memorial donations are suggested to the donor's choice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements.