Michael Rayson

Reverend Michael Dion Rayson, 50, of Alton, Illinois and formerly of South Australia passed away at 2:58 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024. He was born July 26, 1974, in Kimba, South Australia, a son of Carolyn Janice (Chapman) Moore (partner Robert Lumsden) and Kevin (Patricia) Rupert Rayson, both of Adelaide, South Australia. He married Jennifer Lynn (Hutchins) Rayson on December 24, 2015, at the Nameoki United Methodist Church in Granite City and she survives. Originally from Australia, Mike immigrated to the United States in July 2005. He proudly became a citizen of the United States in November 2016.  His music has won countless awards and accolades across the globe.  He was formed in the Methodist Tradition, and completed his academic work through Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA. He has also studied theology in Australia, and at St Paul School of Theology in Kansas City KS.

He has ministered in Westminster Abbey (London, UK), and served as a worship leader to the United Methodist General Conference in Tampa FL.  He was a regular presenter at the ECG Conference in the UK and has preached and performed in over a dozen countries around the world.  He has also been invited by several communities of faith to speak on living life in an age of grief - including the Illinois Council of Churches, and Our Lady of Snows Roman Catholic Shrine.

He led worship at Alton Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton, Illinois, where Mike was the worship music and technology pastor working with lead pastor. He enjoyed his ministry to others as on-air personality with many radio stations throughout the years. Mike also served with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. His unique blend of storytelling, music and God’s word truly touched so many lives in his 38 years of ministry.

His music is enjoyed all over the world on Christian radio, including the U.C.B Inspirational Network across Europe, U.C.B Australia and New Zealand, Premier Radio in London, Hope 1032 in Sydney Australia, Life FM in Adelaide Australia, and stations across the United States.

Mike is married to Jen, and they have five children: Laura Rayson (26) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oliver Rayson (23) of Alton, Kaylee Wood (13) of Alton and Maxwell Rayson (7) of Alton.  Mike has experienced much in his life, including the death of his oldest son Samuel Thomas William Rayson in 2007 at age 11. He also leaves behind two sisters, Natasha Rayson of Kimba, South Australia and Bonita Jay of Merrimac, Queensland, Australia; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alice and Dennis Hutchins of Bethalto; a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Hutchins of Bethalto; many nieces and nephews; other extended family and countless friends throughout the world. Through it all, he has experienced grace ... Just Grace.

In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9 a.m. until time of a memorial service at 12 p.m. at Alton Main Street United Methodist Church with Reverend Sylvester Weatherall as celebrant. Services will be livestreamed via Alton Main Street UMC. Memorials may be made to MusiCares. In accordance with his wishes, his remains will be returned to his homeland in Australia. Irwin Chapel of Granite City in charge of arrangements. www.irwinchapel.com

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home