Ray Bodiford

Ray Bodiford
Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 70th district
In office 1973–1976
Preceded by	Granville Hinton
Succeeded by	Herman L. Wolfe Sr.
Personal details
Born	Johnny Ray Bodiford (1936-06-14)June 14, 1936
Died	July 12, 1989(1989-07-12) (aged 53)
Political 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" for the state senate against longtime incumbent 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]

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. Obituary of Bernice Nixon Bodiford (1936-2005). McKenzie Banner March 9, 2005 Archived July 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
4. Tennessee House of Representatives: 88th General Assembly - Members: Ray Bodiford
5. Tennessee House of Representatives: 89th General Assembly - Members: Ray Bodiford