SUFFOLK – William Kenneth Raiford, 50, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011. A native of Portsmouth, he was the son of the late John J. and Erma Ashley Raiford. An electronics engineer with the government; he had a passion for history, and enjoyed amateur radio. He was a member of the Southampton Historical Society, the Sons of Confederacy, the AARL (Amateur Radio Relay League); and a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; five children; a sister, Judy R. Pantelides and her husband, Thomas.

Memorial donations may be made payable to the William K. Raiford Children’s Fund and mailed to: Wachovia Bank at Power Plant, 104 Marketplace Drive, Hampton, VA 23666 OR mailed to Dr. Judy Raiford Pantelides, Administrator, 51 Bay Front Place, Hampton, VA 23664.

More information will be forthcoming regarding a planned event in Bill’s honor through LifeNet. The family is thankful multiple lives will be enhanced and saved due to Bill’s desire to be an organ donor. His legacy lives on in our hearts and other’s lives.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.