Reverend James (Dink) Rayburn, age 68, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Treutlen County Health and Rehabilitation Center. His strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, his beloved church family, and the community carried him through over three years of health issues.  Throughout his struggles, he continued to use each opportunity to encourage others and share the love of Jesus with those with whom he came in contact.

James was born on November 28, 1948, the seventh of eight children born to Clifford and Margie (Brown) Rayburn.  He was preceded in death by both his parents, his brothers, Roy Lee Rayburn and Charles "Bubba" Rayburn, and his sister, Patricia (Rayburn) Price.

James was known for his ease of frequent conversation with even total strangers and he took advantage of every opportunity to share Jesus.  He possessed a contagious smile and loved to use unconventional methods to get the attention of his congregation.  Throughout his life he maintained a sweet demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being impacted by his witness of constant trust and belief that God was in control.  His contagious smile, laugh, and his love for a practical joke will never be forgotten.

After graduating from Terrell County High School, James received a Bachelor's degree in Education from Georgia Southwestern and a Bachelor's degree in Theology from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. He served in the ministry with the Georgia District Assemblies of God for thirty-eight years pastoring Shurlington Assembly of God in Macon, GA for twelve years followed by the last twenty-three years being the Pastor of Soperton Trinity Assembly of God.

Married to his sweetheart for forty years, James and Debbie raised three children, Rebecca, Rachel, and Daniel.  James enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs.  His favorite activity was visiting the community and his church family and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

His surviving family members are numerous but include his wife, Debbie Rayburn; children, Rebecca (Dwayne) Humphrey, Rachel (Shane) Bowen, and Daniel (Penny) Rayburn; siblings, John (Cecila) Rayburn, George (Vivian) Rayburn, Mary "Cricket" (Wayne) Scott, and Elaine Schaffer.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sydney Jenkins, Caleb Kephart, Lauren and Carson Humphrey, Morgan, Shane and J.J. Bowen, and Savanna, Kaitlyn, and Isaiah Rayburn; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and especially his "family" at Soperton Trinity Assembly of God and Treutlen County Health and Rehabilitation.

Services will be held in the Soperton Trinity Assembly of God at 2 p.m. Friday, May 5.  Burial will be in Westview Cemetery, Soperton, with Sammons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

A visitation will be held at the church Thursday from 6—8 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Soperton Trinity Assembly of God, P.O. Box 31, Soperton, GA  30457.