Hinkle Albertus Rayfield, Jr.

Rev. Hinkle Albertus Rayfield Jr., born May 17, 1940, of Gaston County, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2024, in Gaston County.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed working outside, fishing, and spending time with his family. Hinkle grew up in Gaston County and attended Tryon High School and Gardner-Webb University where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Strickland.

He was the owner operator of Rayfield Construction Company. He was a licensed general contractor and also held his electrical and plumbing licenses. He built/renovated many commercial and custom residential buildings, including 37 churches in the area. He was also the owner of Rayfield Strawberry Farm for many years. For the past 40 years, he faithfully pastored Arrowood Baptist Church of Bessemer City, with Carolyn by his side as the pianist. He loved his congregation and devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to all he met. He had the respect of his community, friends, and family who often went to him for advice, and experienced the bonus of his great sense of humor.

Hinkle is preceded in death by his parents, Hinkle Rayfield Sr. and Sue Allen Rayfield, sisters Margaret Fourshee (Garland) and Virginia Fields (Bob). He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Strickland Rayfield of Bessemer City; three children, Krista DeBrew and husband, Craig of Shelby, Kipp Rayfield and wife, Jeana of Cherryville, and Kent Rayfield of Bessemer City; 14 grandchildren Katie DeBrew, Carrie Anne Belk (Nate), Kristina Canipe (Patrick), Chase Rayfield, Casey Rayfield (Lauren), Chressy Rayfield, Carissa Rayfield, Colby Rayfield (Lauren), Caleb Rayfield, Luke Rayfield, Emma Rayfield, Anna Rayfield, Sarah Rayfield, Ella Rayfield; great-grandchildren Kennedy, Judson and Elliot Rayfield; sisters Inez Black (late Howard), Robin Wells (Nat) and Timothy Rayfield, and many brother and sister in-laws and nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Services will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Second Baptist Church at 201 N. Houser St, Cherryville, NC. The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45 pm and the funeral will start at 3:00 pm. Graveside service to follow at Arrowood Baptist Church at 6417 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Bessemer City, NC.

Memorials may be made to Arrowood Baptist Church 6409 Dallas Cherryville Hwy Bessemer City, NC 28016.