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James Robert "J.R." Rathbone
1937 - 2005
James Robert "J.R." Rathbone
1937 - 2005
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2005
James Rathbone Obituary
James was a member of the Peachtree United Methodist Church in Maggie Valley. He was an avid fisherman and loved camping. He also enjoyed spending time at their cottage at Lake Santeetlah. James worked at Anton Chevrolet in the Body Shop. He then went to work as a custodian at the Lake Junaluska Elementary School. Later, he became a detective for the Haywood County Sheriff‘s Department and then went to work for the Hazelwood Police Department. James spent his retirement years working for Bob Lawrence Power and Equipment Co.
He is preceded in death in addition to his mother; one daughter Tara Dell Rathbone.
He is survived by his loving family; his wife of 48 years Betty Lockman Rathbone; one daughter Dawn R. Whitaker and her husband Jonathan R. of Maggie Valley, NC and their children Carter Mason and Abigail Elizabeth Whitaker; one brother Hugh Rathbone of Cheeno, AR; two sisters Christine Mehaffey of Maggie Valley, NC and Ilene Ingle of White Pine, TN
Family will receive friends on Monday from 12 to 2:30 PM in the Peachtree United Methodist church fellowship hall. Following the receiving of friends, the Funeral Services will be held at 3 PM in the Sanctuary of the Peachtree United Methodist Church with the Reverend Hal Finney and dear friend Johnny Scruggs officiating. Burial will be held at the Garrett Hillcrest Memorial Park. At other times the family will receive friends at the family home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Cutshaw, Jack Mehaffey, Tracy Nelson, Stan Rathbone, Jason Whitaker and Scott Sutton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peachtree UMC, 309 Black Camp Gap Road, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 or a Love gift may be given to the family for medical expenses.
An online guest registry may be signed at WWW.LEGACY.COM sponsored by the staff of Garrett Funerals and Cremations.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dawn
April 17, 2005
I wanted to take this opportunity to say many thanks to all that signed the online guest book.
It will be a month tomorrow that Daddy passed away. When I believed that each day would get easier, I find myself dealing a little harder. So many "lost" memories have started pouring from deep inside my heart. I know that Daddy is no longer suffering and is in the better place. Heaven. I guess he should be crying for all of us left here. We will be there soon.
Carter wants to see Pampa in Heaven and suggests we take a plane. It stormed the other night and we have explained that the sound is drums from heaven...Pampa plays drums!? Through a childs eyes we can watch the simplicity of an explaination become what is so. Love in its purest form. Daddy got to experience discovery of life all over again with Carter and Abigail. They are why I go on, they help me to heal.
Daddy was a good man, a good husband and a great father. I hope that my children will think the same of me some day. Then I will have been able to honor both Daddy and Moma with the way they raised me.
I miss you Daddy. I love you and I will see you in Heaven.
Terry & Debbie Cole
March 22, 2005
Just wanted to let you know that our PRAYERS are with you.
Brandy Downs
March 22, 2005
Dawn and Family-
Just wanted you to know how sorry I am for your great loss, I wish that I could have been there. Please know that my thoughts and prayers have been with all of you. Let me know if there is anything that I can do. Love - Brandy
Jill (Jones) Rabideau
March 21, 2005
My deepest sympathy in this difficult time. I know what a strong family of three that you always were (even in those tough "growing up" years for me and Dawn). I will never forget Dawn's 16th birthday dinner & trip to Asheville to see the Concord. I still carry a lesson from that afternoon. As parents, you were willing to go the extra mile to validate and share in something your child showed an interest in. I know Dawn will do the same for Carter & Abby, I hope I can do the same for my girls.
I know there is a deep void in your lives, words can't express it. Your family is in my prayers. Thank you for letting me "grow up" with your family. I am truly blessed by being called a friend.
Much love always,
"Little" Jill
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KIM FURNISS MUSE
March 21, 2005
Dawn & family:
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Jack and Pat Swanger
March 21, 2005
Betty,
Our condolence on your loss. MAY GOD BLESS AND CONFORT ALL.
Please join your classmates for breakfast when you have time, we would love to have you.....
Becky Ramey
March 21, 2005
JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW SORRY WE ARE TO HEAR ABOUT J.R. WE LOVED HIS VISITS TO SMACKERS. HE WAS SO KIND AND SWEET.WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS.
Nichole Wells
March 21, 2005
Dawn,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to call.
Love you,
Roxanna and Angie
March 21, 2005
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
underwood's restaurant
March 20, 2005
We would like to say how much we loved J.R. coming in our restaurant every morning. He was a wonderful man and was so nice to all our employees. We always let him in early to sit and drink coffee until we opened in the morning. We always could count on J.R. on being at Underwood's every day. He will be sorely missed by everyone. Our hearts go out to you and your family we will miss him. We will always be here for you. The Underwood's Staff.
Pam Sisk-Montgomery
March 20, 2005
Dear Betty and Dawn,
I simply wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I know that this has been a very long and difficult journey. Growing up and coming over to your house was always a treat and I fondly remember how your daddy loved to make us breakfast in the mornings and let us stay up extra late. I was very lucky to have known him. Please call me if there is anything I can do for either of you. My thoughts and prayers go very deep for you.
Love... Pam
Garrett Funeral Home
March 19, 2005
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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