Elder Vell Wayne "Bubba" Reliford was born on June 22, 1949, to the late James "Sugar Boy" Reliford and Margaret "Little Sister" Seal Reliford. A lifelong servant of God, Elder Reliford never ceased working for Christ and remained faithful to his calling until the very end.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, Elder Reliford lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love. Though never officially appointed as pastor, he embraced a divine mission to uphold the church by serving as its spiritual pillar and glue until his passing. His dedication extended beyond the sanctuary; he served as the State Sunday School Superintendent for the Texas Southeast Third Jurisdiction and the Jasper District under the late Bishop C. L. Bryant. Despite health challenges, he remained a faithful church attendee and never missed a service when his health permitted.

An avid professional coon hunter, Elder Reliford achieved state and national championships, earning widespread respect in the sport. He was also deeply involved in his local community—coaching little league, leading Boy Scout troops, and cheering from the sidelines as a true sports dad.

Elder Reliford worked at MeadWestvaco in Evadale, Texas, for 28 years before retiring in 2000 due to health reasons. During his time there, he played an instrumental role in advocating for the hiring of young Black men from the community. He also served faithfully on the Board of the Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative.

He gave his life to Christ under the guidance of Superintendent Lowe, who played a key role in his spiritual journey. In 1997, Elder Reliford married his devoted wife, Missionary Linda Joyce Reliford. Together, they blended a beautiful family rooted in love and mutual respect. He was the proud father of Dwayne "Hound," the late James "Jamie," Taiwan "Tai," and Olympia, his daughter by love. He also held special fatherly bonds with Charles (Suzy), James "Jack," and Corey (Ikethia) "Peter Mouse," whom he deeply loved and who loved him in return.

On August 15, 2025, at 6:55 PM, Elder Reliford peacefully transitioned from this life, trading time for eternity in the presence of the Lord. Of all his accomplishments, none brought him more joy than seeing lives transformed and souls saved. His legacy lives on in the many hearts he touched, the lives he inspired, and the example he set.

Elder Reliford was preceded in death by his parents, James "Sugar Boy" Reliford and Margaret "Little Sister" Seal Reliford; brothers, James "Jack" and Erskine "Doddie" Reliford; beloved son, James "Jamie" Reliford; grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Missionary Linda Reliford; children, Dwayne, Taiwan (Richard), and Olympia; sons by love, James T. and Corey; brother, William "Bill;" sisters, Linda "Hankie" and Margie "Nell;" grandchildren, Cassidy (Danyele), Xavier, Angelica, Briana L., Briana D., Allen, Taylor, Aaliyah, and Richard Jr.; great-grandchildren, Caiden, Harlie, Cailynn, and Caleb; six brothers-in-law, Willford, Quincy, William, Daniel, John, and Michael; favorite sister-in-law, Adriene; sisters-in-law, Veronica, Priscilla, Emma, and Subrena; as well as a special daughter-in-law, Angela; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, church family, and community members.

Elder Vell Wayne Reliford's legacy is not only in his accomplishments but in the way he lived—with faith, strength, humility, and an unwavering love for God, his family, and his community.