Jerry Mack Brayfield, 81, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2105 after a lingering illness. He was born in Springfield, MO November 19, 1933 to Glenn E. and Eda (Davis) Brayfield.

Jerry attended Springfield High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, from 1953 to 1956. He was a corporal in "A" Battery, 1st 8" Howitzer Battalion. After discharge from active duty, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1961. As a civilian, he was employed by Consumer''s Market.

Jerry was introduced to Portia O''Dell Danderson by Betsy and Al Erb in 1976. Jerry and Portia were married July 12, 1985. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Portia, sister Midge (Tom) Baker, brother Don (Janie) Brayfield; children Diana (Greg) Gronniger, Jeffrey Danderson (Donna); grandchildren Aaron (Cristal) James, Anna (Ronnie) Ray, Emma (Jeremy) Letterman and Grace Gronniger; great grandchildren Henry Ray and Porter James; sisters-in-law Jane Stafford, Loetta Brayfield and Susie Herd; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends Pam Price, Charles Moody, Jack Andrus and Albert Erb.

Jerry loved interacting with his grandchildren and attending and participating in their school activities. He was a number 1 fan of Fair Grove school athletics. He and Portia loved traveling together. Jerry was a music lover and enjoyed sitting in an easy chair reading or watching the Cardinal games. A hobby that was very special to him was horse racing and his favorite track was Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Eda Brayfield, parental grandparents Jim and Ellie Brayfield, maternal grandparents Robert and Mag Davis; siblings Robert, Joe, and Helen (Dwight) Haymes and best friend Tom LaRue.

Special thanks to Cox Transitional Care Unit, staff at Cox Health unit 3 East, Dr. Martens and staff, also special thanks to Stephanie at Oxford Hospice.

A visitation will be held Thursday July 9, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Klingner-Cope at Midtown, 1635 N. Benton, Springfield. Graveside service will be Friday July 10, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Cedar Bluff Cemetery, 8505 E. State Hwy E, Fair Grove, MO.

Family has requested donations be made in Jerry''s name to the Fair Grove Senior Center Building Fund, P.O. Box 41, Fair Grove, MO 65648.