Rayford B. Britton

Rayford B. Britton Stalman, of Zionsville, IN, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Burnie Stalman Britton, and his father, Baldwin Britton. He is remembered by his wife, Rebeca; his daughters Sandy (Gary) Bacon and Becky (Brett) Zimpfer; and his grandchildren Brittany (Matt Zytka) Klooster, Maddie Zimpfer, Cameron Bacon, Sophie Zimpfer, and Phoebe Zimpfer.

Ray was born on Providence Island, Colombia on December 6, 1933. He was the son of a successful sea captain from whom he espoused the importance of hard work and determination. He received an education in Medellin, Colombia, where he met his wife, Rebeca. Shortly after marrying, Ray and Rebeca arrived in the United States to pursue higher education and professional opportunities. He would tell his grandchildren he arrived to the land of opportunity with “only ten dollars in my pocket.” Together with Rebeca and their young daughters, Ray’s career took them to various U.S. states as well as Spain and Colombia, giving Ray a distinctive outlook of the world and lifelong love of travel.

Ray started his global corporation, Plastiexports, in Mexico at approximately 50 years of age, which he led for over 30 years. To his credit, he never forgot his humble beginnings. As a man of the world and an ingenious entrepreneur who obtained a masters degree in finance in a non-native language, he did not forget to ask the hotel elevator operator how his day was going with a genuine smile.

Ray loved being surrounded by his family. Ray would be heard complimenting the chef, his son-in-law Brett, at family meals, while telling his grandchildren stories of milking cows on the land where he grew up and innumerable chores on his father’s ship. He was extremely proud of his beautiful daughters and told them frequently at family gatherings; he was often heard telling family members they each are special and saying, “we are stealing a few great moments from this thing we call life!” His family shares warm memories of him playing the piano during free moments at family get-togethers, as well as beautiful harmonies with Rebeca while singing hymns or Happy Birthday to loved ones. He often won games of dominoes (only revealing his strategies to a few) and enjoyed laughing around the table with family.

It has been stated many times, upon meeting him, Ray would leave an indelible positive impression. Ray always left anyone he spoke to with some encouraging words, guidance for their future endeavors, and a smile on their face as an enduring token of their moment spent with him. In particular, Ray demonstrated his devotion to Rebeca with words of admiration, elevating her just beneath the level of saint. One could see in his eyes the love and respect he reserved especially for her. Their marriage of 69 years is a sweet blessing and inspiration to their family. Most importantly, Ray was a man of God and the Bible who spent his life giving credit “to the Almighty;” he often repeated, “I am nothing special; I have been blessed!”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association of Central Indiana (317) 575-9620.