Ray Bodiford Explained

Ray Bodiford
State House:Tennessee
District:70th
Term Start:1973
Term End:1976
Predecessor:Granville Hinton
Successor:Herman L. Wolfe Sr.
Birth Name:Johnny Ray Bodiford
Birth Date:14 June 1936
Party:Republican
Spouse:Bernice Nixon Bodiford
Profession:Politician, insurance agent

Johnny Ray Bodiford (June 14, 1936 – July 12, 1989) was an American insurance agent from Selmer, Tennessee who served as a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 70th district (Hardin and McNairy counties and parts of Wayne, Chester and Hardeman counties) from 1973 to 1976. He succeeded fellow Republican (and insurance agent) Granville Hinton, and was succeeded by Republican Herman L. Wolfe Sr.

He was a member of the Tennessee 1977 Limited Constitutional Convention.[1]

In 1980, he ran what was described as a "strong campaign" against longtime incumbent state senator and Lieutenant Governor John S. Wilder, but was unable to defeat him.[2]

Personal life

He was married to Bernice Nixon Bodiford, who is listed as his widow in her March 2005 obituary.[3] He was a member of the Churches of Christ, and a Freemason.[4] [5]

Notes and References

  1. Laska, Lewis L. "The 1977 Limited Constitutional Convention" 61 Tenn. L. Rev. 485 (1993-1994)
  2. Stanley, Rodney E. & P. Edward French. Tennessee's John S. Wilder: the longest tenured state legislator in Tennessee history. University Press of America: 2007; p. 106.
  3. http://mckenziebanner.com/2005/2005obituaries/obituaries_Mar9_05.htm Obituary of Bernice Nixon Bodiford (1936-2005). McKenzie Banner March 9, 2005
  4. http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/archives/88GA/Members/Members.htm Tennessee House of Representatives: 88th General Assembly - Members: Ray Bodiford
  5. http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/archives/89GA/Members/h70.htm Tennessee House of Representatives: 89th General Assembly - Members: Ray Bodiford