Daniel Joel Rayburn, age 79 of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2020, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born October 11, 1940 in Carrollton, Georgia, the son of the Alva Hoyt “Bill” Rayburn and the late Ora Norton Rayburn.  A graduate of Carrollton City Schools, he retired from the City of Carrollton Fire Department, where he served as a Lieutenant and Assistant Chief.  He was a charter member of Christ Way Baptist Church on Miller Academy Road, Carrollton. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Mrs. Katie Henry Rayburn; daughter, Rita Rayburn; granddaughter, Briana Wilson; son-in-law, Bill Wilson; brothers: Harvey Rayburn and Gerald Rayburn; and sisters: Sheena Rayburn and Dale Beasley.  

Survivors include his children: Jane Lambert, Gwen Edwards, Keith (Stacey) Rayburn, Kim Wilson, and Michelle (David) Collins, all of Carrollton, Georgia; sisters: Betty Ann (Donny) Eskew of Federal Way, Washington, Brenda White and Delana Rayburn, both of Carrollton, Georgia; grandchildren:  Seth & Tricia Lambert, Steven & Heather Lambert, Ashley & Jeremy Neal, Amy & Jake Heiney, Ryan & Rachel Rayburn, Brandon & Ann Rayburn, Adam & Carmen Rayburn, Emily & Laura Rayburn, Shawn & Rebecca Wilson, Devin & Mandy Wilson, Santana & Adam Thompson, and Jamie & Ashley Collins; twenty-nine great grandchildren; and a number of nieces & nephews. 

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 2:00 PM from Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel with Rev. Tommy Taylor officiating. 

Eulogies will be rendered by Billy House, Bud Benefield, and Jimmy Bearden. 

Interment will follow in West Georgia Memorial Park.  The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers:  Ken Thompson, Gary Thomas, Tim Padgett, Steve Chadwick, Tim Spratlin, Richard Norton, Jeff Kinard, and Tracy Smith. 

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons and public safety personnel. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. 

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com.  Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements.