Ray Medford Obituary

Bishop Ray Medford was born, April 20, 1951, in Union, SC to the late Arville Ray and Virginia Miller Medford. He has been married to the love of his life Joan Cagle Medford for fifty-four years. Their marriage has been and will always be a testament to the goodness of God and faithfulness of true love.

Ray is the father to Mrs. Allison Medford Bagwell (Tommy) and Dr. Eric R. Medford (Jessica). He is the "Papa" to Mr. Eli Thomas Bagwell, Mr. Bleeze Matthew Bagwell, Ms. Suri Elizabeth Bagwell, Ms. Makenzie Grace Medford, and Mr. Tanner Grant Medford. Each of them reveres and loves him with all their hearts. He is also cherished by his sister, Becky Medford Anthony and by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Ray is, was, and will always be the greatest husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and uncle to ever grace the world.

Ray had a varied career experience throughout his life. The most fulfilling was being a Pastor in the Church of God. He pastored the Lucasville Church of God, Lucasville, OH, Johnston Church of God, Johnston, SC, Jackson Church of God, Jackson, SC, Piedmont Church of God, Piedmont, SC, North Aiken Church of God, Aiken, SC, and Duncan Church of God, Duncan, SC. His ministry career also included serving as associate pastor and other various roles in other Church of God congregations.

Ray was known for his tender heart, devotion to the Lord, devotion to his wife, devotion to his children and grandchildren, and his many lifelong friends. His sense of humor would keep you laughing and his honesty would keep you in check.

A visitation will be held at the Mauldin Church of God on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm followed by the service at 6:30 pm. Officiating the service will be Bishop Toby Morgan, Bishop Dennis Stone, Rev. Jessica Medford, Bishop David Price, Bishop Ronnie Grant and Dr. Eric R. Medford.

The family would like to thank their Church of God family from many different congregations, the staff of Greenville Memorial Hospital, and The Gables for their care throughout Ray's journey. Also, a deep appreciation for all of the staff medical and non-medical of the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville, SC for their incredible care for Ray and the family.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Ray with the family by clicking on either the "Share a Memory" footer or the word "Tributes" in the dropdown menu.