Robert Lee Rathburn

Asheville Robert Lee Rathburn, 88, of 8 Kensington Drive, passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at his home. A native of Poplar Bluff, MO, he had resided in Buncombe County since 1966. He was a retired shoe sales manager and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Mr. Rathburn served as a First Lieutenant in the US Army during World War II. He was the son of the late George and Florence Shelton Rathburn. He was also preceded in death by three sisters and a brother. Surviving are his wife, Jeanne Brooks Rathburn, of the home; two sons: Bob Rathburn, Jr. and wife Irene of Piedmont, MO, and David Rathburn and wife Joan of High Point, NC; daughter, Susan Rathburn of Asheville; grandchildren: Josie Rathburn, Josh Rathburn, Charlie Rathburn, Suzanne Rathburn, Kris Balmanno, Kate Rathburn and Sam Rathburn. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Friday at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, with the Rev. Dr. Ralph May and Rev. Jerry Wilson officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team. Pallbearers will be Everett B. Tate, Jr., Ken Edwards, Bill Edwards, Joe Edwards, Leroy Goodson, and Josh Rathburn. Gerald Gentry will serve as Honorary Pallbearer. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 PM Thursday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 240 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.