Earl Junior Rayburn

December 23, 1929 ~ November 14, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Earl Junior Rayburn, 88, of Asheville, died on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
A native of McDowell Co., NC, Earl was active with the Boys Scouts as a young man. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, earning the Purple Heart Medal and Silver Star Medal. Later in his life, he retired from the U.S. Forest Service, with over 30 years of service. He continued on as a forester with Canton Hardwood Lumber for a number of years. He was also a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Mr. Rayburn is survived by his wife, Ruth McLaughlin Rayburn; daughter, Clara Rayburn Mizell (Doug); sons, Jay Rayburn (Sherry) and Jeffrey Rayburn; grandchildren, Paul Stockwell, Nita Stockwell Simmons, Stephen Stockwell, Karyn Stockwell Hoffelt, Charity Rayburn Hodges, Sgt. Jayme Rayburn, who followed in his grandfather's footsteps in the U.S. Marine Corps, and Timothy Rayburn; and five great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Chapel, Black Mountain, with Rev. Dr. Ronnie Owen officiating. Military honors will be performed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Memorials may be made to the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, 300 Enola Rd., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 200 Mt. Carmel Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
Sometimes there are not words that can truly express the pain that we feel when someone so special leaves us. It is then we are reminded that our Heavenly Father always hears the cries of our heart and is always ready to extend us his loving care and comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:2,3. May you always feel his presence and peace as we await the day that we embrace our loved ones again. John 6:40. Remembering Earl always in our heart. Extending our deepest condolences to the family.
We’re very sorry about the family’s loss may God bless and be with you always.
We are saddened to hear of your loss. You will be in our prayers during the coming days. May God surround you with His love and peace.
Dear Jay and family,
May our Lord embrace you with His love, and give you solace in the knowledge that this hero on earth and faithful servant, to both Him and his fellow man, is truly home and healed of all earthly pain.
rest in peace . ,uncle earl,larry
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. I am a retired trainer at JIRDC where I had the honor of meeting him. He was a wonderful man. Devoted to God, his family, and his country. When he visited Jeff sometimes he would visit in the home and he would tell us stories. He loved his family. He would talk about Jeff when he was a young boy. Always had a kind word for all. And all loved Mr. Rayburn, looked forward to his visits. You, his family, will be in my prayers. His spirit lives on and when I think of him I will smile because he always put a smile on my face. He inspired me. Yes he will be missed.
To the Family of Earl Rayburn,
I am currently employed by the US Forest Service. I knew and remembered Earl from when I was a little girl. My mother also retired from the Forest Service. So I would often visit the office and see him all the time. He was such nice person. I also remember the FS picnics. We use to have such a good time. May the memories of Earl bring peace to your heart.