Uncrowned Community Builders

Oscar E. Rayford was born on May 1, 1939 in Ocilla, Georgia. His parents were Oscar E. Rayford and Willie Toler. Mr. Rayford spent his formative years in Miami, Florida before relocating to Buffalo, New York. He was a graduate of East High School, class of 1957. While in high school, he played football and was on the track team.

Mr. Rayford earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Later he attended UB Law School. He was certified by New York State Court of Appeals and was qualified to take the New York Bar Exam.

Prior to starting his own business, he was employed in a number of companies, including: Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Chevrolet Automotive, Community Action Organization in the Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Program, Security Officer for the Erie County Rath Office building, Director of Human Resources at the Lakeview Community Center, District Promotion and Sales Manager at the Pepsi Company, National Sales Director and Coordinator for Envirofan Systems, Buffalo.
Under the instruction of Siegfried Construction Company, Inc., Oscar participated in an internship program to study management and operations while handling general construction and masonry work on the Buffalo Waterfront Village Center. This experience inspired Mr. Rayford to form his own company. DBA Universal Equipment & Supplies, Inc., Rayford Enterprises, Inc., Rayford Concrete, Inc. and Rayford Development Corporation were born, of which Oscar was owner/president and CEO. His company was a blessing to many of the area churches.

Some of his affiliations included: he was a member of the St. John Baptist Church; a Silver Life Membership of the NAACP; Association of General Contractors; Buffalo Chamber of Commerce; CIEA/Construction Exchange of Western New York; a Board member of the Western New York Education Foundation; a member of the Erie County Workforce Investment Board; a Straight Talk Presenter; a Board member of the Buffalo Urban League Board of Directors; a former Commissioner of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.

Mr. Rayford died on May 4, 2012.