06/08/1943 – 06/30/2026
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Beauford Harrison Traylor Sr., 83, of Lanett, Alabama, peacefully entered eternal rest on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Born on June 8, 1943, Beauford was the son of the late Theodore Traylor Sr. and Mary Florence Brooks-Traylor. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and remained steadfast in his Christian faith throughout his life.
He was educated in West Point, Georgia, and graduated from Harrison High School in 1961. In 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with honor and distinction before retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. His military career reflected his unwavering commitment to duty, leadership, and service to his country.
Known throughout the Valley area as “Mr. Cableman,” Beauford made history as the first African American cable technician in the local area. He overcame racial barriers and prejudice with dignity, perseverance, and professionalism, earning the respect of coworkers, customers, and the community. He remained employed in the cable industry for more than 30 years, leaving behind a legacy of determination, excellence, and trailblazing service.
Above all else, Beauford loved his family. He shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Mavis Traylor, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His quiet strength, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Theodore Traylor Jr., and his sister, Patricia Jones.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 60 years, Mavis Traylor of Lanett, Alabama; daughters, Tina Glaze of Valley, Alabama; Eurika (Kelby) Ramsey of Lanett, Alabama; Mia (Richard) Crim of Valley, Alabama; LaQuica (Selester) Horton of Lanett, Alabama; and Tinecia Traylor of Valley, Alabama; son, Beauford Traylor Jr. (Tara Johnson) of Valley, Alabama; and godson, Martez Shepherd of Atlanta, Georgia.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Robert Traylor Sr., Tay Glaze, Eric Cooper, Taylor Harper, Kaelin Crim, Khylor Booker, Kourtney Ramsey, and Kynnedi Crim; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Frances Traylor of Las Vegas, Nevada, Barbara Traylor of Valley, Alabama, and Brenda (Walter) Reid of Stone Mountain, Georgia; brothers-in-law, Marvin (Helen) Askew and Randy Askew; sisters-in-law, Frances Askew and Barbara Traylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow veterans, and dear friends.
Beauford will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, quiet strength, humility, and service. Whether serving his country, breaking barriers in his profession, or caring for his family, he lived a life defined by honor, compassion, and integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (EST) from Zion Rest Baptist Church Heard Center, 2947 50th St., Valley, AL, Rev. Frederick Stanley, Pastor, Rev. Ralph Thompson, Officiant.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL Hwy 165, Fort Mitchell, AL. Davis Memorial Mortuary directing.
Public Viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. (EST) at Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.
Funeral Services by Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley.
Local Obituaries brought to you by Frederick-Dean and Valley Point Funeral Homes. “Serving our communities in their time of need”.
