Donald Gilbert Raborn

Donald Gilbert Raborn obituary, Huntersville, NC

Donald Gilbert Raborn

Donald Raborn Obituary

Visit the Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home - Huntersville website to view the full obituary.

Donald Gilbert Raborn, 85, of Charlotte, NC passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025. 

Donald was born in Charlotte on February 29, 1940 to the late Gilbert Alexander Raborn and Blanche Kelly Raborn.

Along with his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his son James  Anthony Raborn (Jimmy) and his sister Brenda Raborn Baucom.

He is survived by his children: Donald Gilbert Raborn II, Marilyn Raborn Wellman and husband Duke, Randall K. Raborn, Tiffany Raborn Melton and husband Mike; his grandchildren: Crystal Wellman, Lindsey Plunkett, John-Michael Wellman, Randall Moss, Lauren Bryant, Blaize Melton, and Maddan Melton; five great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons; & his siblings: Doris Raborn, Wanda Keller, Ronnie Raborn, and Wayne Raborn.

Don loved anything Ford.  He spent his entire life painting, restoring, and working on cars, especially Mustangs.  He loved wheeling and dealing working car shows throughout North Carolina.  Don also loved gardening in his spare time.  People loved eating his pickles and relish.  

He had all kinds of animals over the years, especially chickens, since he'd sell the eggs.  He was proud to be the oldest registered licensed "Hunter" in the state of North Carolina.

Don was active with his lawn care service.  He cut grass until the day he passed away.

Donald loved his family.  He was active in his church and Lions Club.  He was a long-time member of the St. James Men's Chair.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home of Huntersville. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025, 1:00 PM at Mallard Creek Baptist Church, Charlotte. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home - Huntersville

16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078

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