Jack Rathbone, age 80, of the South Toe Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at Smoky Ridge Health and Rehabilitation.
A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Kenneth and Zora McIntyre Rathbone. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Angeline Sowers Rathbone; a brother, J.D. Wilson; and three sisters: Essie Ward, Lorene Rumfelt, and Geraldine Jenzen.
He loved bluegrass music and played guitar in a band that was featured on the Grand Ole Opry. Two favorite things he enjoyed was watching the western show, Gunsmoke, on television and eating rice krispies treats. His livelihood included working in furniture factories and pulling galax. His church and his family were the most important things in life to him, especially the love he had for his grandchildren.
He is survived by three children: Amanda Ledford (Waylon) of Burnsville, Brian Rathbone (Ginger) of South Toe, and Amy Rathbone (James Wheeler) of Micaville; eight grandchildren: Jordan (Lauren), Jade (Nick), Danielle (Patrick), Jason (Savannah), Katelyn, Hannah, Mercedes (Jaten) and Amber; four great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Maverick, Lainey and Oaklen; a brother, J.C. Rathbone of South Toe; and a sister, Elene Linder of Old Fort. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held graveside at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12th at South Estatoe Baptist Church Cemetery.
To send online condolences, please visit: ww.yanceyfuneralservice.com
