{"id":113148,"date":"2021-08-17T11:12:39","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T16:12:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=113148"},"modified":"2021-08-17T11:12:43","modified_gmt":"2021-08-17T16:12:43","slug":"obituary-thomas-mccarver-rayburn-june-6-1978-august-13-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/obituary-thomas-mccarver-rayburn-june-6-1978-august-13-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Obituary: Thomas McCarver Rayburn, June 6, 1978 – August 13, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Thomas McCarver Rayburn<\/strong> passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021, at his home in Hattiesburg<\/strong>, Mississippi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carver was born on June 6, 1978, in Oxford<\/strong>, Miss.; where began his infinite and deep love for Ole Miss<\/strong>. He moved to Meridian<\/strong>, Miss. in 1993 at the start of his freshman year and graduated from Meridian High School<\/strong> in 1997. Carver\u2019s outgoing and jovial personality made him popular in high school, where he was elected president of the Delta Chi<\/strong> chapter of Phi Kappa<\/strong> fraternity, and was also chosen as a little brother for the Dusty Social Service Club<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He returned to Oxford where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Mississippi<\/strong>. While at Ole Miss, Carver served as president, vice president, and philanthropy chairman of the Mississippi Gamma<\/strong> chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon<\/strong> fraternity. He loved and embraced every minute of his college experience, attending Ole Miss sporting events with a true passion for Ole Miss football and The Grove<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium<\/strong>, Carver was known to don a red and blue-themed costume that is best described as resembling the character \u201cMushmouth\u201d from the 1970\u2019s cartoon Fat Albert &The Cosby Kids<\/em>. He loved the Ole Miss Rebels<\/strong> so much that he tattooed the mascot Colonel Reb<\/strong> on his back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coming from a family with a long musical pedigree, Carver was no different. A talented guitarist and bass guitarist from an early age, he formed his own rock \u2018n\u2019 roll bands and played many shows. He eventually landed a job at the famed Hoka Theatre<\/strong> in Oxford, booking touring bands and entertaining audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carver was a gifted journalist who excelled as a writer, advertising director, editor, and publisher. He was featured in many publications including The Local Voice<\/em> (Rayburn Publishing<\/strong> in Oxford), Neshoba County Democrat<\/em> (Prince Media Group<\/strong> in Philadelphia<\/strong>, Miss.), The Ole Miss Spirit<\/em> (Oxford), The Meridian Star<\/em> (Meridian), The Hattiesburg American<\/em> (Hattiesburg), OffBeat <\/em>magazine (New Orleans, Louisiana<\/strong>), The Clarke County Tribune<\/em> (Emmerich Publishing Group<\/strong> in Quitman<\/strong>, Miss.), Southeastern Football Saturdays<\/em> (Vicksburg<\/strong>, Miss.), The New Albany Gazette<\/em> (New Albany<\/strong>, Miss.), Rebel Yell <\/em>magazine (New Albany), and others. Carver was also employed in public relations for Ole Miss Sports Information<\/strong>, working with ESPN<\/strong>, CBS<\/strong>, Fox Sports South<\/strong>, and Jefferson Pilot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarver was a valuable part of the Mississippi Press Association family,\u201d said James E. Prince III<\/strong>, his former employer at Prince Media Group. \u201cHe had a keen mind, a quick wit, and could hone in on the truth. He knew right from wrong and didn\u2019t shy away from encouraging his boss to speak truth to power. Carver could turn out award-winning sports stories with one hand tied behind his back blindfolded.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Active in Alcoholics Anonymous<\/strong>, Carver established and facilitated AA meetings for the Forrest County Jail<\/strong> and local homeless shelters in the Hattiesburg area. He was also instrumental in creating virtual AA meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Former Mississippi Governor Haley R. Barbour<\/strong> is a friend of the Rayburn family and he knew Carver well. The former governor knew of Carver\u2019s struggle with addiction and was an encouragement to him. Barbour said to a friend once, \u201cCarver is brilliant when he\u2019s sober.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time of his passing, Carver was working for the New South Restaurant Group<\/strong> at The Midtowner<\/strong>, where he admired his boss Robert St. John<\/strong> and loved getting to know his customers. Days before his death, Carver was helping to craft a digital marketing campaign for the restaurant group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carver is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Thomas Rayburn<\/strong> of Oxford, and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Aron Haywood Hooker<\/strong> of West Point<\/strong>, Miss. and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Newton Rayburn<\/strong>, Sr. of Grenada<\/strong>, Miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He is survived by his son, Thomas Hartfield Rayburn<\/strong>, Hattiesburg; mother Elizabeth Hooker Herron<\/strong> and stepfather Charles Herron<\/strong>, Meridian; stepmother Paige Bruce Smith<\/strong>, Oxford; siblings Andrew Newton Rayburn<\/strong> (Nature<\/strong>), Oxford; Shelby Hooker Rayburn<\/strong>, Birmingham, Alabama<\/strong>; Suzanne Herron Helveston<\/strong> (Campbell<\/strong>), Oxford; Elizabeth Ann (EA) Montgomery<\/strong> (John<\/strong>), Birmingham; Samuel Taylor Rayburn<\/strong> (Mary Banks<\/strong>), and Samantha Paige Rayburn<\/strong>, all of Oxford; nieces Patton<\/strong> and Collins Helveston<\/strong>, Alexandria Rayburn<\/strong>, and nephew Olen Montgomery<\/strong>; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A memorial mass for Mr. Thomas McCarver Rayburn will begin at 11 am on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church<\/strong> in Meridian, with Father Matthew Simmons<\/strong> officiating. Interment rites will begin at 1 pm on Friday, August 20, 2021 at St. Peter\u2019s Cemetery<\/strong> (Oxford Memorial Cemetery<\/strong>) in Oxford, with Father Joe Tonos<\/strong> officiating. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home<\/strong> is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memorial gifts may be sent to The <\/strong>William Magee Center for Wellness Education<\/strong><\/a> c\/o The University of Mississippi Foundation<\/strong>, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS, 38655, or the charity of the donor\u2019s choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Carver Rayburn in Perdido Key, Florida, July 2020. Photograph by Newt Rayburn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Carver Rayburn in Memphis, Tennessee, July 2021. Photograph by Newt Rayburn <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Carver Rayburn and son Hart Rayburn in Perdido Key, Florida, July 2020. Photograph by Newt Rayburn <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Carver Rayburn and son Hart Rayburn in Perdido Key, Florida, July 2020. Photograph by Newt Rayburn <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Carver Rayburn and son Hart Rayburn in Perdido Key, Florida, July 2020. Photograph by Elizabeth Herron.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Newt Rayburn, Elizabeth Herron, and Carver Rayburn in Perdido Key, Florida, July 2020. Photograph by Newt Rayburn <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Brothers Shelby Rayburn, Newt Rayburn, and Carver Rayburn in Orange Beach, Alabama, July 2021. Photograph by Elizabeth Herron.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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(Left to Right) Shelby Rayburn, Samantha Rayburn, Carver Rayburn, Taylor Rayburn, Tommy Rayburn, and Newt Rayburn. Christmas 2002. Photograph by Paige Bruce Smith.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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(left to right) Newt Rayburn, Alexandria Rayburn, Nature Humphries, Samantha Rayburn, Taylor Rayburn, Carver Rayburn, Hart Rayburn, and Shelby Rayburn in Memphis, Tennessee at the wedding of Taylor and Mary Banks Rayburn, July 10, 2021.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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(left to right) Carver Rayburn, Hart Rayburn, Newt Rayburn, Nature Humphries, Alexandria Rayburn, Shelby Rayburn, Samantha Rayburn, Mary Banks Rayburn, Taylor Rayburn, Paige Bruce Smith, and Wade Smith in Memphis, Tennessee at the wedding of Taylor and Mary Banks Rayburn, July 10, 2021. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Charles Herron, Alexandria Rayburn, Elizabeth Herron, Carver Rayburn, Hart Rayburn, and Newt Rayburn. Photograph by Newt Rayburn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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(left to right) Charles Herron, Elizabeth Herron, Alexandria Rayburn, Carver Rayburn, and Hart Rayburn. Photograph by Newt Rayburn. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Newt Rayburn, Carver Rayburn, Shelby Rayburn, and Samantha Rayburn at the Rendezvous restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, July 2021. Photograph by Newt Rayburn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Hart Rayburn, Carver Rayburn, Nature Humphries, and Newt Rayburn in Memphis, Tennessee, July 10, 2021. Photograph by Newt Rayburn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Taylor Rayburn, Newt Rayburn, Margaret Zeigler Rayburn (BKA “Tutu”), Carver Rayburn, Shelby Rayburn, and Samantha Rayburn. Year unknown but probably 2006.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Elizabeth and Charles Herron’s family, 2017. Photograph by Newt Rayburn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Siblings at the 50th birthday celebration of Newt Rayburn, January 2021.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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(left to right) Newt Rayburn, Charles Herron, Beth Herron, Alexandria Rayburn, Hart Rayburn, and Carver Rayburn. Photograph by Newt Rayburn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Nature Humphries, Charles Herron, Campbell Helveston, Suzanne Helveston, Carver Rayburn, Shelby Rayburn, Beth Herron, and Newt Rayburn. Photograph taken at City Grocery in Oxford, Mississippi at the celebration of Newt Rayburns 50th Birthday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tutu Rayburn’s family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Harry Rayburn Jr.’s family.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Carver Rayburn in Orange Beach, Alabama. July 21, 2021.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
Carver Rayburn in Orange Beach, Alabama. July 21, 2021. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) EA Montgomery, Carver Rayburn, Suzanne Helveston, and Shelby Rayburn. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Suzanne Helveston, Newt Rayburn, EA Montgomery, Carver Rayburn, Elizabeth Herron, Shelby Rayburn, and Charles Herron. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) Carver Rayburn, Newt Rayburn, EA Montgomery, Suzanne Helveston, and Shelby Rayburn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
(left to right) EA Montgomery, Charles Herron, Elizabeth Herron, Shelby Rayburn, Suzanne Helveston, and Carver Rayburn in Perdido Key, Florida, sometime in the 1990s.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thomas McCarver Rayburn passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021, at his home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Carver was<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":238,"featured_media":113151,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1209],"tags":[283,19092,19107,19101,1234,6840,1219,160,7405,1236,1228,2432,19072,19074,19102,19099,19087,3994,19119,19116,19089,14645,19093,19097,2537,19084,3538,19091,19090,19103,19105,2837,19071,5,19075,113,19078,1672,896,19094,19085,7067,2013,19088,19108,4,19118,19100,1227,19073,19079,7530,14627,19082,19120,9255,19077,19106,19104,19096,19080,1273,19076,19115,19117,1218,19086,3,19083,19095,19081,7681,19121,19098,19070,655,4033,312],"class_list":["post-113148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-obituaries","tag-alabama","tag-alcoholics-anonymous","tag-alexandria-rayburn","tag-andrew-newton-rayburn","tag-aron-haywood-hooker","tag-birmingham","tag-campbell-helveston","tag-carver-rayburn","tag-cbs","tag-charles-herron","tag-collins-helveston","tag-colonel-reb","tag-delta-chi","tag-dusty-social-service-club","tag-ea-montgomery","tag-elizabeth-hooker-herron","tag-emmerich-publishing-group","tag-espn","tag-father-joe-tonos","tag-father-matthew-simmons","tag-fox-sports-south","tag-governor","tag-haley-r-barbour","tag-harry-newton-rayburn","tag-hattiesburg","tag-hattiesburg-american","tag-hoka-theatre","tag-james-e-prince-iii","tag-jefferson-pilot","tag-john-montgomery","tag-mary-banks-rayburn","tag-meridian","tag-meridian-high-school","tag-mississippi","tag-mississippi-gamma","tag-nature-humphries","tag-neshoba-county-democrat","tag-new-albany","tag-new-orleans","tag-new-south-restaurant-group","tag-offbeat-magazine","tag-ole-miss","tag-ole-miss-rebels","tag-ole-miss-sports-information","tag-olen-montgomery","tag-oxford","tag-oxford-memorial-cemetery","tag-paige-bruce-smith","tag-patton-helveston","tag-phi-kappa","tag-prince-media-group","tag-quitman","tag-rayburn-publishing","tag-rebel-yell-magazine","tag-robert-barham-family-funeral-home","tag-robert-st-john","tag-sae","tag-samantha-paige-rayburn","tag-samuel-taylor-rayburn","tag-samuel-thomas-rayburn","tag-saturdays-down-south","tag-shelby-hooker-rayburn","tag-sigma-alpha-epsilon","tag-st-patrick-catholic-church","tag-st-peters-cemetery-2","tag-suzanne-herron-helveston","tag-the-clarke-county-tribune","tag-the-local-voice","tag-the-meridian-star","tag-the-midtowner","tag-the-new-albany-gazette","tag-the-ole-miss-spirit","tag-the-william-magee-center-for-wellness-education","tag-thomas-hartfield-rayburn","tag-thomas-mccarver-rayburn","tag-university-of-mississippi","tag-vaught-hemingway-stadium","tag-vicksburg"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/20200716_105833-750.jpg?fit=750%2C355&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/238"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113148"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113148\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/113151"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=113148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=113148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}