Alfred Rayfield

Alfred "Punchy" Rayfield, 86, of Gastonia, North Carolina entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, December 27, 2025. A native of Gastonia, he was the son of the late Guy and Selma Rayfield. He worked for Pharr Yarns until his retirement, supporting the company in supervisory, human resources and safety roles. Most importantly, Punchy was a Godly man who kept his faith strong and committed. Punchy was a long-time member of McAdenville Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir.

Punchy enjoyed Saturday night trips to the local fish camps with his family, trying out local BBQ restaurants in and around North Carolina, and listening to and collecting old records. One could always find Punchy piddling with his records or watching an Andy Griffith show. A long Saturday afternoon drive to the mountains or weekend camping trip to the beach were a few of Punchy's favorite pastimes.

Punchy's family was his pride and joy. He loved spending quality time with his triplet granddaughters Kaitlyn, Jordan, and MacKenzie, and especially his great-granddaughter, Indie Rae Flanagan. From the moment his granddaughters were born, Punchy made sure they always felt loved. He did not think twice about taking a road trip to see "his babies" every chance he could. He made sure he did not miss any milestone in their lives.

In addition to his parents, Punchy is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Drury) Rayfield, and his two sisters Joyce (Horne) and Judy (Gates).

Punchy is survived by his sons, Robert "Todd" Rayfield of the home and his son and daughter-in-law: Kenneth "Kenny" and Mary Kay Rayfield of Hickory, North Carolina. His legacy includes his three granddaughters, Kaitlyn (Isaiah) Flanagan of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jordan (Trevor) Gragg of Granite Falls, North Carolina, and MacKenzie (Aaron) Smith of Hickory, North Carolina. He has one great-granddaughter, Indie Rae Flanagan of Knoxville, Tennessee and one great-grandson due March 2026: Wyatt Joel Flanagan.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at The Evergreen Garden of Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 South New Hope Road, Gastonia.

Reverend Walt Griggs will officiate. Serving as his pallbearers are his sons, Kenneth Rayfield and Todd Rayfield, his grandson-in-laws, Isaiah Flanagan, Trevor Gragg, and Aaron Smith and longtime family friend, Eddie Jenkins.

Fond memories of Punchy, and condolences for the family, may be shared at www.greenefuneral.com

The family would like to express deepest gratitude to Carolina Caring who provided compassion, support, and care towards Punchy and his family over the last several weeks. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions are made, in Punchy's (Alfred Rayfield) honor, to Carolina Caring - 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.

The staffs of Greene Funeral Services and Gaston Memorial Park are honored to serve the Rayfield Family.