Funeral services for Ray Benford Fields, age 84, of Roanoke will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Highway Congregational Methodist Church with Rev. Thomas Cochran and Rev. Eddie Denson officiating.  Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.  Mr. Fields will lie in state at the church from 12:00-2:00 PM on Thursday before services begin.

Mr. Fields passed away Monday, August 7, 2023, at his residence.

Survivors include his son, Kenny Fields (Sandra) of Roanoke; one grandchild, Jarred Dakota "Koty" Fields of Roanoke; and one sister, Rachel Richardson of Roanoke.

Pallbearers will be Koty Fields, Jeff Fields, Joey Fields, Jeff Cantrell, Tony Richardson, and Michael Baldwin.

A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Fields was born in Heard County, Georgia, on April 7, 1939, the son of Tommy Whitt and Gladys Townsend Fields.  He was a member of Highway Congregational Methodist Church and a retired press operator at Franklin Aluminum.  Mr. Fields also served in the Alabama Army National Guard.  He enjoyed listening to gospel music, reading his Bible, and witnessing to anyone he met.  Mr. Fields also enjoyed going to flea markets and was an avid gun collector.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Francis Carolyn Fields; and one brother, Lendon Fields.