Ralph James Rathbone

“Beloved Husband of 70 Years” Ralph James Rathbone, 92, of Waynesville, NC passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Autumn Care Nursing Home. He was born on September 5, 1924 to the late Charlie Mason and Annie Lou Ellen McElroy Rathbone. Ralph was a graduate of Cecil’s Business College in Asheville, NC. He retired as finance officer for Haywood County. He was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #259. He had a great love for his family as well as fishing, hunting and keeping honey bees. This love was surpassed only by his love for his Lord and his Church, Grandview Baptist, where he served in several capacities. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers, Frank Rathbone, Joe Rathbone and Robert Dee Rathbone; two sisters, Ruth Holder and Doris Rollman. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Jacqueline Rathbone; son, Larry Rathbone and wife, Doris; daughter, Ralphene Rathbone and special friend, Robert Bradley; brother, Ivan Rathbone and wife, Suzie of Bandera, TX; sister, Mable Justice of Nokomis, FL; two granddaughters, Christy McDermott of Charlotte, NC and Julia Beam and husband, Martin of Apex, NC; one grandson, Jeremy Hinson and wife, Tabitha of Rogersville, MO; five great granddaughters. A celebration of his life will be at 2 PM on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Grandview Baptist Church with the Reverend Barry Willett officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service on Sunday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grandview Baptist Church, 1562 Allens Creek Road, Waynesville, NC 28786. A Message of comfort may be left to the family and guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com