John B. Rayson, age 79, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 31, 2012. John was born in Earlville, Illinois and was a graduate of Beloit College in 1955 and the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1958. After graduating, he joined the firm now known as Kramer Rayson, where he practiced for 50 years. His practice primarily involved labor and employment matters, including employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, harassment, employment policies and wage and hour issues. John served briefly as Law Director for the City of Knoxville. He was active with Legal Aid of East Tennessee for many years and was President in 1997 and 1998. John was a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and served as President of the Tennessee Supreme Court Historical Society. He was a 50 year member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. In 1982 he was appointed Vice Chancellor (legal counsel) for the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee and served through 1995. After retiring from the practice of law, John stayed busy by becoming involved in a significant number of volunteer activities. These included: serving as a Stephen Minister, being a member of the Church of the Ascension Circle of Friends, and working with the FISH hospitality pantry. He derived great satisfaction in his participation in these activities.