Rifton Gaylor Cavenaugh, 83, of Wallace left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Wednesday, January 26, 2016.

He was born March 22, 1932 in Duplin County and was the son of the late Gaylor A. and Cora Elizabeth Brown Cavenaugh. He was also predeceased by his great grandson, Ayden Thomas Cavenaugh and 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Rifton served his country honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of The Wallace Church of God where he served on the Pastor's Council for over 20 years.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and devoted wife of 42 years, Jo Ann Sloan Cavenaugh; his loving children, Tony Cavenaugh and wife, Judy of Rose Hill, Gary Cavenaugh and Steve Cavenaugh, both of Wallace, Richard Cavenaugh and wife, Dawn of Beaufort, SC, Rudy Gwaltney and wife, Holly of Bamberg, SC and Sandy Albertson and husband, Ricky of Sumner, GA; grandchildren, Kim Cavenaugh Jones, Seth Thomas Cavenaugh, Meghan Cavenaugh, Corey Cavenaugh, R.J. Cavenaugh and wife Paige, Morgan Cavenaugh and Trey Cavenaugh, John Randall Albertson and wife, Amber, Javy R. Gwaltney, IV, Joanna Lee Albertson and Sloan B. Gwaltney; great grandchildren, Logan Jones, Hailey Cavenaugh, Ava Grace Hollingsworth and Tatum Kole Smith; sister, Louise Hardison of Burgaw and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Rifton was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a simple man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a caring, generous and above all, humble and totally selfless man. Rifton's life was dedicated to God and taking care of his family. He was a hard worker who never complained, but just got the job done. Rifton was known as "friend" to many and "Pop" to others. A man of great integrity, He was, without a doubt, a gift from God and all who knew him were truly blessed. Rifton's friends and family will surely miss him but are comforted knowing that he has moved on from this life to a much fuller one he now has with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout eternity.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace Chapel with his pastor, Todd Narron officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Friday, one hour prior the service at the funeral home and other times at Rifton and Jo Ann's home.

Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Cavenaugh Cemetery, Wallace.

Casketbearers will be R.J. Cavenaugh, Seth Cavenaugh, Ricky Albertson, John Albertson, Greg Robbins and Billy Whaley.

The family request that memorial gifts be sent to Vidant Home Health and Hospice, 750 S. Kenansville By-Pass, Kenansville, NC 28349.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our "Memory Wall" above.


Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Friday, one hour prior the service at the funeral home.

Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Cavenaugh Cemetery, Wallace.