Herman Lamar Rabon

Rabon, Herman "Ray" 91, of Tampa, died peacefully at home on March 19, 2016 while surrounded by family. Ray was a devoted husband and father. He was predeceased by his parents and his only brother, Bob Rabon. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Mary Rabon; daughters, Suzanne Rabon Manicchia and husband, Barney, Vicki Jo Rabon, Donna Rabon Norby and Husband, Rick, Lisa Rabon Garcia, Nanette Rabon Mendell and husband, Albert, and son, Michael McKinney; grandchildren, Bryan Manicchia, Sheri Manicchia Kress, Ashley Mendell Ramirez, Nena Garcia, A.J. Garcia and Amber Norby; great-grandchildren, Jovanni Perez and Julian Ramirez and his beloved horses, Princess and Cee Cee.

Dad was born in Georgia and moved to Florida at a young age. Ray joined the Navy during WWII and was in the Normandy Conflict. He loved the life aboard ship.

He was a Contactor by trade and a Cattleman by choice. He could build anything. His work ethic was to be envied; up at 4:00 a.m., at work by 5:30 a.m., home by dark, six days a week until age 91.

He had a life long love affair with Ritz Crackers and peanut butter, a large glass of milk and Nutty Buddy Bars for dessert.

A wonderful man we called Dad. We were blessed to learn many valuable Country lessons. He was witty with pithy expressions that generally contained advice or wisdom. Special thanks is given to Ramona Hewitt for her tireless and unconditional care and to the LifePath Hospice Ruby team. Visitation from 2-3 p.m., with a funeral service at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, followed by entombment at Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa. Memorials may be made to LifePath Hospice, Ruby Team, Temple Terrace.