Dennis Wayne Rayfield, age 83, of Blacksburg, SC, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026, at his home. He was born June 21, 1942, in Gaston County, to the late Otto Floyd and Maggie Levada Black Rayfield.

Dennis was a veteran of the United States Marines. He served in Vietnam as a sniper and was awarded a Purple Heart. Dennis was an expert marksman and a lifetime member of the Marine Sharpshooters. He was also a master gunsmith and gun collector. Dennis enjoyed watching sci-fi movies and westerns, especially Gunsmoke. He loved playing his harmonica in his bluegrass band with his friends Dexter and Gary, fishing, and family gatherings. He was also a Pather’s fan and WWE fan, especially Charlotte Flair.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved children, Shannon Denise Cox, and Coby Rayfield; and sister, Patrisha Hainstock.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Margaret “Diane” Burrell Rayfield; children, Leslie Rayfield, Scott Rayfield (Pam), and Daphne Albritton; brothers, Rev. Gary Rayfield (Judy), and Keith Rayfield; grandchildren, Vanessa Turek (Matt), Julia Timmons (Eddie), Elizabeth Cox, Rachel Cox, Jimmy Cox, Evan Rayfield, Afton Rayfield, Nate Rayfield, Eric Rayfield, Valerie Little (Gregory), and Amber Case; and his fur babies, Baby Girl, Ella, Loki, and Barney.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Carpenter-Porter Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow in the W. Cone Carpenter, Sr. Memorial Chapel at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Tony Rayfield officiating. Burial will be private.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project – https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com