Jerron Lucas Rayford, Sr., affectionately known as “Big Black”, was born on July 24, 1993 at Jefferson Regional Hospital in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Ethan Rayford and Leslie Brown.

He was baptized at Greenville Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ivory McDaniel, where he was an active member of the youth department. At his mother’s request, he later joined Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Fordyce, Arkansas, so the family could worship together as one congregation. While at Mt. Tabor, Jerron continued serving in the youth department as a Junior Usher.

A 2011 graduate of Fordyce High School, he was known as one of the most popular students to walk its halls. He had a deep passion for football and was truly a force on the field. After high school, he briefly attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. He later became a Behavioral Health Associate (BHA) at Mill Creek Behavioral Health Center in Fordyce, where he earned the respect of his coworkers and the admiration of clients, who affectionately called him Mr. Black.

In his spare time, Jerron loved entertaining and being entertained. He especially enjoyed the excitement of betting on NFL games and the bragging rights that came with supporting his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was a beloved son and a devoted father. He enjoyed social gatherings, playing dominoes, and spending quality time with family and friends. His children were his world, and he was one of their biggest supporters. He truly understood the assignment of fatherhood and worked intentionally to help shape their lives for success.

He was a true legend in Fordyce, known to many simply as Big Black. He passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Dallas County Hospital in Fordyce, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Danny Jimerson, and his aunt, Monica Rayford.

Rayford leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Ethan Rayford and Leslie (Bryant) Dallas; three children, Adrienne Rayford, Jerron Rayford, Jr. (Deuce), and Zyon Armon Levi Rayford; and a bonus daughter, Jordan Moore. He is also survived by five siblings: Vivian Rayford, Jonathan Rayford, Mikhjia Rayford, Terry (J. R.) Terry, Javaris Turner, and Daniel Rayford; grandparents, Oscar Rayford, Sr., Earnestine Johnson-Rayford, and Donna Miller (Willie Roberson); aunts, Domeki Miller and Veronica Rayford; uncles, Oscar Rayford, Jr., Larry Brown, and David Baugh; one niece, three nephews; and a host of cousins and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.