Charles Luther Rabun

Charles Luther Rabun (“Luther” and “Big Daddy”), 94, of Marietta, went to be with our Lord on October 25, 2016 after a long illness. Luther was a loving and beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born in Vidalia, Georgia on October 5, 1922 to Charles Luther Rabun, Sr. and Sallie Lou Gramling Rabun as the eldest of their four children. He graduated from, and was a football and track star at North Fulton high school and Darlington Prep Academy of Rome. He attended Georgia Tech on an athletic scholarship, playing for the legendary Bobby Dodd. Unfortunately, due to multiple injuries, his athletic career ended prematurely. His schooling was interrupted by World War II; however, he came back from the war and graduated from Georgia Tech with an Industrial Management degree in 1947.

Luther enlisted in the US Navy in early 1943 and chose and was selected for Submariner school. He became a Machinist Mate working in the engine room of the USS Rasher. The Rasher and its crew fought the entire war in the Pacific campaign and was one of the most prolific subs in the war in sinking Japanese ships. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Of all the wonderful things that Luther accomplished, he was most proud of the amazing relationship he enjoyed with his wife, Carolyn Virginia Agnew. In 1946, they were introduced by his friend and her future brother-in-law (married her sister!). They culminated a whirlwind romance by getting married March 22, 1947, only to be parted by death 69 years later! When asked the secret, he replied “never go to sleep angry at each other”.

Luther worked over 30 years for General Motors, retiring at 65. He was an avid woodworker and mechanic who could fix most anything. He rebuilt old pendulum clocks and during his younger adult years, collected and repaired old guns. He was a faithful and active member of Skyland United Methodist Church and later, East Cobb UMC.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Rabun; daughters Renee Rhoden (Randy) of Jacksonville and Barbara Buchanan of Marietta; sons Buddy Rabun (Margaret) and Ken Rabun (Suzy), both of Marietta; grandchildren Krissy Hartless (Geoff) and Robby Rhoden (Molly), both of Jacksonville, Jesse Davis (Paul) of Greenville, SC, Luke Rabun (Sarah) of Kennesaw, Callie Hsiang (Jeff) of Knoxville, Lexie Conway (Trey) of Atlanta and Rachel Czekalla of Marietta; and great-grandchildren Danielle, Lizzie and Ricky Hartless and Maggie, Abby and Ryan Rhoden, all of Jacksonville. He is also survived by his sister Sally Merck of Cumming and brother Pat Rabun (Millie) of Marietta. He was pre-deceased by brother Bob Rabun and his beloved grandson Ricky Rhoden.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30, Saturday, October 29, at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park in Marietta. All are welcome to pay respects. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to East Cobb United Methodist Church at 2325 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at dignitymemorial.com and search for Charles Rabun of Georgia.