Donald Lee Rayburn

January 9, 1939 ~ September 3, 2011
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Donald “Don” Lee Rayburn
Arden – Donald “Don” Lee Rayburn, 72, of Arden died Saturday, September 3, 2011 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center.
A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late Gene and Francis Ledford Rayburn.
Don served his country in the US Navy and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend loved by all, especially his dog “Biscuit”. The family wishes to thank the staff at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center for their care and compassion, especially Michael and Brenda. Also, a special thank you to Elaine Swayney and others for their food and support. We can say good-bye for a short time for our family will be united some day soon. Rest in peace Don!
Don is survived by his wife, Brenda Rayburn; one son, William David Grady and his wife, Anjie, of Mills River; six grandchildren, Hannah, Samantha, Katherine, Cameron, Mimi and Rebecca Grady; two nieces, Angie Phillips and her husband Jerry and Misty Pastzor and her husband Tom and one nephew, Matthew Robinson.
A graveside gathering will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 9, 2011 at Cane Creek Cemetery where his grandchildren will sing for him one last time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Don’s memory to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is in charge of arrangements.
our prayers are with you
Don was a inspiration to all of us during the past few weeks, and he entertained us all in many ways. The results of his medications made him answer many questions that were very entertaining and allowed us all to laugh with him at times. His small grandchildren will remember the time they spent with him as time that was special to them because they were involved with taking care of him by combing his hair, massaging his back, and things like positioning his pillows…….and, bless his heart, all were amused about how a steriod increased his appetite. For several days he ate anything and everything that came toward his mouth while constantly bragging on how wonderfull it tasted and asking for more. Don will be missed. He loved to fish better than any person I have ever known, but today he is fishing in a new lake that he had never been to before, and he didn’t have to take his boat, equipment, or RV with him because God had all those things taken care prior to his arrival. RIP
Sorry for your loss. We worked with Don at Square D.
Just like the song ‘The Dad he didn’t have to be’ Don was a wonderfull Dad to the very small son I had from a previous marriage when Don and I met. He was not only a Dad, but also became a best friend for his entire life. Over the years David and Anjie blessed us with 6 great grandchildren whom we both were so proud of, and although he will be missed we have the promise of all reuniting one day. Love Brenda Rayburn
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Brenda and family
I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Don was such a good man. I know Daddy
thought the world of Don and enjoyed every moment he spent fishing with you’ll. It brings a smile to my face to know they are in heaven rejoicing to see each other. Probably telling a few ‘fishin’ tales.
Love you,
Tammy
My condolences, Don and I worked together in the Square D Product Engineering department for many years. He was always willing to help when needed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I had the pleasure of working with Don at Square D for several years. Mike
I lost touch with Don and did not realize that he’d passed away until today!
Although his passing was over 6 years ago, the grief (for me) is palpable and as if it happened today. My hope is that time has dimmed the grief and that his entire family are doing well.
Don was a friend and colleague during the 1970’s when we worked together at the Square D Company Plant in Asheville, NC. In many ways that plant was more like a family than a workplace providing good paying jobs with the opportunity for professional growth in a healthy work environment that fed clothed and sheltered thousands during its existence.
Don and I developed a close personal friendship during our time together at Square D Company which augmented our professional one and we fished together at Lake Keowee on weekends with my father in law. We enjoyed those times where we joked, laughed about our exaggerated fishing prowess and basked in the profound beauty of the great outdoors. In the winter of my own life now I cherish those memories. Rest in Peace Don!