Phillip Hamilton Raby Sr.

Phillip Hamilton Raby, Sr.

Phillip Hamilton Raby, Sr., October 4, 1933 March 5, 2024. At the age of 9, Phillip was traveling through Albuquerque with his parents, Ralph and Kathleen Raby and his younger sister, Evelyn, from Fayetteville, Tennessee to Arizona after his father was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Their plans were interrupted when both parents became ill while passing through Albuquerque. They were hospitalized at the Southwest Presbyterian Sanatorium, thus the family decided to make their new home in Albuquerque. In 1944, Ralph founded the first of the Raby Companies, originally a door-to-door appliance sales company, receiving appliances via rail at a bonded warehouse located on 5th Street. Eventually he obtained a brick and mortar store on the Westside on Glendale Ave. Later, the first Raby Carpet store opened on Griegos Road.

Phillip graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1951. He then entered the U.S. Army Reserves, stationed in Alaska and promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Over the years, as President/Owner of The Raby Companies, Phillip opened a dozen different companies in New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Colorado, growing to one of the largest floorcovering wholesalers and retailers in the Southwest. Today, the company has four locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

In his early 40's, Phillip became President and majority stockholder of Citizens Bank. Throughout his career, he served on numerous boards, including Hooten Stahl Realtors, Allied Signal, Dupont Stain Master Flooring Centers, and National Flooring Alliance. Phillip was a recognized leader in the flooring industry and was a featured speaker nationally until just a few years ago.

Phillip was an avid dog lover, supporting for many years various dog rescue organizations. He was especially fond of his black labradors, Pitch, Jack, Tutu, and Tutu Too. All who knew Phillip well knew his dog went everywhere with him until the final day of his life as he traveled to pick up the mail.

For several years, Phillip looked forward to what was fondly and comically referred to as "Donut Church" each Sunday morning with his friends, the late Attorney Jim Parker, the late Judge James Parker, Justice Dick Ransom and Albuquerque High famed basketball coach, Jim Hulsman. The group of esteemed community gentlemen met to discuss solutions for local, State, and nationwide issues and world peace!

Phillip was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Norman and Kathleen Hamilton Raby; and his sisters, Evelyn Few and Kathy Leonetti. He is survived by his wife, Connie Moore Raby; and grandchildren Payton, Grace, and Ben. He is also survived by his children, María Griego-Raby (Randy Royster), Phillip Raby, Jr. (Julia Raby), Theri Griego Raby, M.D. (Jack Newsom), Mark Raby, Ralph-David Raby (Dora Delgado-Raby), and Adam F. Raby. Phillip's pride and love for his grandchildren, Nina, Francisco, Mia, Emilio, Isabella, Elizabeth, Raquel, and Rosallina was boundless. He was loved and respected by many nieces and nephews, and countless employees, friends, and business associates.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Glorieta Station, 523 Commercial Street NE, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

Phillip had great empathy and compassion for people who struggled to read. Several years ago, Phillip established a charitable endowment to support this cause. Donations may be made to the "Phillip Hamilton Raby, Sr. Fund for Literacy" at the Albuquerque Community Foundation, 624 Tijeras Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, https://go.abqcf.org/raby. Donations may also be made to Animal Humane New Mexico. Please visit our online guestbook for Phillip at www.FrenchFunerals.com.