James Raby

Canton - James Paul Raby - The good Lord called Paul's name on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

A native of Haywood County, Paul and his wife Katherine Plemmons Raby moved to Buncombe County in 1958. Paul was born May 24, 1930 and was the son of the late Anester Gibson and Marshall H. Raby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Katherine Plemmons Raby. Paul was a former member of West Canton Baptist Church but joined Abernethy United Methodist in 1958 where he served in numerous positions. He retired from Champion International with 43 years' service. He was also retired from the North Carolina Army National Guard. At one time, he was active in Cub Scouts where he served as Cub Master for 20 years. Paul was a member of Gideon's International. He was a volunteer with ABCCM Crisis Ministry where he enjoyed working with the poor and homeless.

He is survived by one daughter (by choice), Kathy C. Meseke; close cousins, Jane and Darrell Webb as well as numerous cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at Abernethy United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kelly Crissman, Reverend Joe Hoffman and Reverend Karen Kurtz officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery located in Clyde, NC.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Pisgah Villa Assisted Living and the wonderful and caring staff of CarePartners Hospice Solace Center, Asheville.

Memorials may be made to Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28806 or ABCCM Crisis Ministry, 30 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC, 28801.

The care of Mr. Raby has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

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