David Richard Rathbone age 89 of Spruce Pine the Estatoe Community went home to be with the Lord on Friday August 7, 2026 at the Greens of Spruce Pine. Born in Yancey County, NC he was the son of the late Charlie and Clora Silvers Rathbone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings.

David worked as a crane operator for Great Lakes Carbon Corp for thirty years, he was a member of the Estatoe Church of God, he loved his wife, loved family gatherings, working in his garden, watching his grandkids and great grandkids play sports and coon hunting and fishing.

Left to cherish his memories is his sons, David Rathbone (Barbara) Easley, SC, Rev. Ronnie Rathbone (Deena) of Mt. Pleasant SC, Rev. Mike Rathbone (Michelle) of Spruce Pine and Rev. Chris Rathbone (Michelle) of Bakersville and daughters Kim McFalls, and Angel Miller both of Spruce Pine. He is also survived by two sisters, Charlene Bolick of Poplar, NC and Sue Bailey, of Florida, sixteen grandchildren, twenty six great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Rathbone will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday August 15, 2026 at the Bear Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Ronnie Rathbone, Rev. Mike Rathbone and Rev. Chris Rathbone officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the service hour at the church. A private interment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Blue Ridge 236 Hospital Drive Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Henline-Hughes Funeral Service of Bakersville is serving the Rathbone family.