Rayfield Ozier II's Obituary
Rayfield Ozier II (Jimmy), age 86, of San Bernardino, CA, entered into eternal rest on September 24, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Rayfield was born June 28, 1937, the firstborn child of Rayfield and Ann (Parker) Ozier, who both preceded him in death. He was born an Army brat in Phoenix City, Alabama. As a young child, Army life moved the family from Ft. Benning GA to Ft. McPherson ATL, Ft. Bragg NC, and Ft. Campbell KY.
Rayfield attended Burt High School in Clarksville, Tennessee. His Challenge of Life began in 1954 as a U.S. Paratrooper (like his dad), where he became the youngest acting Staff Sergeant at Fort Campbell, KY in 1955. He served as a US Paratrooper and Airborne Ranger from 1954 to 1957.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, he settled in Chicago and married Lee Etta Larry in 1962, to whom he was married for 40 years. Their union brought three amazing sons: Keith Terrell Ozier, Leif Dion Ozier and Lance Ozier. The family relocated to southern California in 1970. Rayfield worked as a machine operator, supervisor, and manager and was often the first and only Black machinist in his field. In 1982, he transitioned to the postal service and became the first Black mail carrier in the town to which he was assigned. Rayfield lived by the motto “Follow Me,” and would never ask anyone to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. What he wanted most in life was for his three sons to have a college education, and in 1991, Rayfield took the bull by the horns and showed his three sons how it should be done. He enrolled in college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State San Bernardino, and was currently enrolled in his masters program. After retiring from the postal service in 2002, he dedicated his life to counseling military veterans.
He leaves to cherish precious memories his beautiful wife Lee Etta (deceased); sons Keith (wife Sherry), Leif (wife Christy) and Lance Ozier; his grandchildren Diamond, Kory, Sierra, Jordan, Luke, and Sienna Ozier; his great-grandchildren Arsani, Leia, Sarayia, Cian, Luna, and Onyx; his brothers Jerome Ozier (wife Essie Ozier, both deceased), Bobby Ozier (wife Geneva), Billy Ray Ozier (wife Vivian, both deceased), Gabriel Ozier (deceased), Mark Ozier (wife Lennita); only sister Delores McNeely (husband Bob-deceased), William (Orbuty); nieces and nephews Monica, Annette, Chandra, Donald (deceased), Nina (deceased), Kim, Bobby Jr., Jeneice, Billy, Corleius, Jeffrey, Janine, Denise, Kevin, Shalawn, Makiesha, Tanosha, Tevin; and a host of extended family and friends, including friend Christine Banks. Rayfield loved his family, his three sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fiercely.
Rayfield was a born leader. He lived his life with integrity, strength, courage, and impeccable character. He was immensely proud of the Ozier name and told everyone he knew. He will always be remembered for his love of sports, fine cars, and old school music.
Viewing will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 12, 2023, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404. Following the service, Rayfield will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery. A Post Everlasting Celebration will be held immediately following the burial at the American Legion Perris Post #595, 600 South “D” Street, Perris, CA.
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