Richard Ralph Rathbun

Franklin, NC - Richard Ralph Rathbun, of Franklin, NC passed away Thursday, November 17, 2011. Born in Springfield, MA, he was the son of the late Ralph Arthur and Evelyn Wright Rathbun. He was married to Carol Rathbun for 42 years. He was a United States Navy veteran serving in WWII and a graduate of Johns Hopkins University. He had a long career in the Insurance Industry and designed customized insurance packages for Disney World, Coca-Cola and the first package for the PGA Golf Tour. He was risk manager for the Penn Central Company in New York City and he retired from his own insurance agency with offices throughout Florida. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and President of Rotary Club in Pompano Beach, FL. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Franklin. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather with interests in golf, sailing and flying.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Susan R. Miller and husband John of Pine Island, FL, Valerie R. Kienzler and husband John of East Long Meadow, MA and Marti R. Phelps and husband Richard of Orange Park, FL; one son, Peter G. Rathbun of Boca Raton, FL; six grandchildren, Valerie, John, Jonathan, R.J., Molly and Cory, and one great-grandchild, Harper. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Rathbun Brandt.

Memorial services will be held Monday, November 21, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Rev. Valerie Miller and Rev. Sam Pope will officiate. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Angel Hospice, 170 Church St., Franklin, NC 28734 or the charity of one’s choice.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.