Herman L Raford

Herman L. Raford was born March 8, 1935 in Oak Grove, Louisiana (West Carroll Parish) to Odessa Rosby-Johnson. He was the second oldest of three boys. Herman and his brothers, John Henry and Odell were partially reared by their maternal grandparents, Will and Eliza Atlas-Rosby. Herman attended and graduated Cedar Grove Junior High School and Magnolia High School where he graduated in 1953. Following high school graduation he relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where upon he found employment and enrolled in college on a part-time basis. Due to limited funds, he placed his educational plans on hold and volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force. After serving twelve (12) years in the Air Force (which provided him opportunities to travel the world), he chose not to re-enlist and subsequently received an honorable discharge. Following his discharge from the Air Force he returned to Chicago, found employment and resumed his pursuit to further his education. Her received a bachelor's degree from Depaul University (Chicago) and later earned a master's degree in accounting from Roosevelt University (Chicago). Herman was employed by Amoco Oil Company for twenty-eight (28) years as an Wholesale Accountant and retired at which time the company downsized and began to relocate offices throughout the United States. Following retirement Herman worked briefly as a Tax Consultant for the Chicago School System and provided oftentimes free tax advice to businesses, friends, neighbors, etc.

Herman was caring, generous and respectful. Although he was a private and modest person, his belief and faith in Jesus Christ was unwavering. He confessed his belief in Jesus Christ and acknowledged that he was a “born again Christian.” Herman loved to play tennis, enjoyed snow skiing and by his own account, he was a good basketball player during his youth.


"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake." ~ Psalm 23:1-3