Rayford Weston Bost, 92, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024. He was born on July 2, 1931, in Statesville to Lizzie and William P. Bost. He grew up on the family farm with twelve siblings — four brothers and eight sisters – all of whom were older than he except for his baby sister, Dorothy.

After graduating from high school, Ray set his sights on a life of travel and adventure when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. he spent the next 20 years in service, including serving in the White House, traveling the world on Air Force One under Presidents Johnson and Nixon, and a tour in Vietnam before retiring in 1970. He then spent the next six years in Washington, D.C., as a federal civil servant, spoiling his great niece and nephew almost every weekend, before returning home to North Carolina to spend fun times with his twelve brothers and sisters – Albert, Kenneth, Francis, Charles, Evelyn, Rachel, Lois, Mary Lizzie, Louise, Inez, Ruth, and Dorothy.

Ray never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. He traveled often and had a wonderful years- long friendship with retired Israeli General Fredy Zach and his family. Ray was kind, giving, fun, a wonderful friend to many, and a sweet, engaged uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by numerous friends and family. He had a special affection for animals, so in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Iredell County Humane Society

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Iredell Memorial Park on March 23, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is serving the family.