Ronald Rathbone

"Pawpaw"

Clyde, Ronald Dale Rathbone, age 75, passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at The Homestead.

A native of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Dale and Frankie Guy Rathbone. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Ronane; a brother, Tommy Rathbone. Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam era. He was a member of Long's Chapel United Methodist Church and retired from Champion International with 38 years of service. Ronald was affectionally known by two names, Basil at Champion, but more importantly, Pawpaw by his family. His family meant the world to him and he cherished them more than life itself. Pawpaw was a true outdoorsman, he could easily spend weeks at Harmon Den, hunting and fishing. There were countless memories with the love of his life, Doris and his children camping at Crazy Horse Campground. Pawpaw was also a motorcycle enthusiast and even produced his own wine called "Basement Magic". In his later years, Pawpaw cherished his Sunday rides to Cherokee with Doris. He was a loving and compassionate man who will forever be missed.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 53 years, Doris Medford Rathbone; two daughters, Dawn Jones (Johnny) and Julie Newland (Allen), all of Clyde; son, Bryan Rathbone (Trisa), of Waynesville; two sisters, Donna McCall (Sid), of Balsam and Judy Roberts (Charlie), of Tennessee; mother-in-law, Virginia Medford; four grandchildren, Melanie Batchelor (Trey), Gini Taylor (Andrew), Paige Gilliland (Luke) and Brent Rathbone; and five great-grandchildren, Adley, Macey, Thomas, Eli and Samuel.

A Celebration of Ronald's life will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2018 at Long's Chapel United Methodist Church Venue with Reverend John Ferree officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at Long's Chapel United Methodist Church Venue.

Memorials may be made to Haywood County Waterways, P.O. Box 389, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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

Previous Events

Cemetery Details