Donald Ernest Raby

Donald E. Raby, of Knoxville, local historian, passed away from this world unto heaven on Monday, December 26, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Don was 65 years old and had lived a full life that included travel while in the Navy aboard the USS Wainwright. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and the School of Preaching and Ministries in Karns. Don retired from the United States Postal Service after 30 years of service. He was thought of as a “true friend” by all who knew him and was a loyal and steadfast companion to his wife, Nancy. He honored and cared for his parents, Sarah and Earl Raby and he loved his two elder brothers, Terry, now deceased, and Fred Raby of Florida and their families. Don loved to study family history, especially in the area of Scarboro and Oak Ridge, Tn. He loved to hike and visit with his friends Fred Cannon, Tommy Bruce, Ray Smith, Jim Tumblin and Gordon Davis. More recently he became interested in woodcrafts and old cars. He will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends Thursday, December 29th from 11:00am to 12:00pm in the chapel of Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 West Adair Drive, Knoxville, Tn. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon with Rev. Tom Drinnen officiating. Following the service, family and friends will travel in procession to the family cemetery in the New Hope Community of Oak Ridge, where Mr. Raby will be laid to rest with full military honors conducted by Roane County Honor Guard and the Naval Reserve. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arlington Church of Christ and UT Cancer Research Fund. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com