Tom George Rayfield

Thomas George Rayfield passed away on January 30, 2025, at 9am at his family’s home in Schertz, Texas after bravely fighting cancer. He was born on May 27, 1960, the son of Bob and Ann Rayfield. 

Tom was the only son of seven children and born on his father‘s birthday. Part of an Air Force family, Tom moved often as a child and lived in states including Texas, Nebraska, and California. He received his BA in Political Science from Southwest Texas State University in 1983. After college, Tom followed his interest in politics to Washington DC where he interned for US Representative JJ "Jake" Pickle, and in 1988 obtained a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law Center. In 1998, Tom moved to McAllen, Texas, where he ran a successful law practice for over 25 years, and served as Secretary to the Board of Governors. Since 2011, Tom also practiced law in the state of New York. 

Tom was a deeply caring and funny person. He was a generous and loving son, brother, and uncle and his premature passing is heartbreaking to family and friends. Tom adored McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, and was blessed with a close and amazing group of friends that were like family to him. He loved football and was a passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Continuously curious about the world, Tom was an avid traveler. He especially loved Mexico, its people and culture, and spoke Spanish (almost) fluently. Tom had a brilliant mind and loved to talk politics; he always had an interesting take or a funny story about current events. Tom’s memory is a blessing to all who knew and loved him, and is a reminder to live life with purpose, passion and a generous heart. 

As he was going through cancer treatments, Tom took strength from the song Hang on Little Tomato by Pink Martini, an encouragement to stay strong through sad times: 

You gotta hold on Hold on through the night Hang on Things will be all right... 

When change is hard and not so nice If you listen to your heart the whole night through Your sunny someday will come one day soon to you 

 Tom is predeceased by his father, Robert E. (Bob) Rayfield. He is survived by his wife, Berenice Puga, his mother, Ann Rayfield, his sisters and their spouses: Ellen and Joan Rayfield, Lorrie and Tom Ellstrom, Robin and John Richter, Peggy Rayfield and Todd Hedgepeth, Beth Rayfield and Eric Daniels, and Pamela Rayfield, as well as his nieces and nephews and their spouses: Jennifer and Phil Rohner, Sonya Ragland, John Paul Richter, Jodi and Andy Fisher and Matthew and Savannah Richter, and his great-nieces and nephews: Lily Boles, his beloved goddaughter, Ava Boles, Eleanor Fisher, Gwendolyn Fisher, and baby Johnny Richter. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8. This event will be at the Casa De Palmas Hotel at 101 N Main Street in McAllen in the Royal Palm Ballroom from 2-5pm. In honor of Tom, Dallas Cowboys attire is optional but welcome! 

Please visit the Schertz Funeral Home website to share memories and condolences. Flowers will be accepted at the Casa De Palmas Hotel or, in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society or the American Civil Liberties Union.