Gary Ray Rathburn went to be with the Lord November 13, 2023 after a courageous battle with ALS.
Gary was born to loving parents Ray and Marva Rathburn in Jacksonville, FL, January 6, 1954.
He is survived by his loving wife Martha Rathburn; his children Tammy and Ray Rathburn; his brother Chris (Kathy) Rathburn; sister-in-laws, Kathleen (Murray) Rice, and Lee Ann (Russell) Matson; as well as loving grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gary, I now know as his brother that God had sent him to this world as an angel to make the world a better place and to bring light to so many people in a somewhat troubled world. Everyone who knew Gary (and there were many), all said how much joy Gary brought to their lives with his joyful and incredible sense of humor, kindness, compassion, joyful mischievous smile, humility but most of all his love and selflessness for everyone. He was always there to help his friends, family and total strangers. He gave of himself so unselfishly to anyone who needed help.
I really admired my brother for his talent in so many areas: golf, building cars, painting, creative art work, and his ability to build anything. I know now, however, that the greatest gift the Lord has given him was his love for his family, friends, and all he came in contact with, to be a light and example of how we should all strive to be like in this world. We are all mourning his passing but grateful to the Lord Jesus for sending one of his angels to all of us that made our lives so much better than it would have been without him.
Gary, we will always love you and you will forever remain in our hearts, missing your laughter, smile and sense of humor, but now is the time for you to rest and be with the Lord and the joy of heaven. Job Well Done!!
There will be a celebration of his life at Boles Funeral Home, 35 Parker Lane, Pinehurst on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 4:00 PM.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.
