Larry Birkley Raybon

Larry Birkley Raybon, 75, of Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home in Blue Ridge, GA, surrounded by his family on April 15, 2016. Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eileen, his daughter Debbie Putnam (husband Glenn), his sons Michael (wife Tracy) and Mark (wife Mercy) Raybon, his sister, Charleen Dudley (husband Terry), his grandchildren Gage and Caitlin Putnam, Brycen, Ian, Michael, Melissa, and Melanie Raybon, and his many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Larry was preceded by the death of his youngest brother Bob Raybon. Larry was a loving husband, father, "Pop-pop," and friend to all.
Born in Miami to Birk and Ruby (Carr) Raybon, he lived most of his life in South Florida, but set his sights on moving to the mountains and finally relocated full time to Blue Ridge, GA, 14 years ago. After serving in the Navy from 1959-1963 and working with Pan American Airlines, Larry joined the family automotive repair business. This is where his passion for handiwork grew. After working at the family business for several years, he moved on to own two successful service stations. It was also at this time that he joined the Orange Bowl Committee and acted as the chairperson, assisting in the production of half time shows and parades. After a great many prosperous years, he passed his pride and joy, Miami Beach Chevron Station, to his youngest son, Mark, and it was then that he and the love of his life, Eileen, made the move up to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Larry loved his Miami Dolphins and spoiling his grandkids. During his retirement years, Larry never missed an opportunity to spend quality time with his grandchildren and attended as many of their functions as he could, no matter the distance. Larry became a very active volunteer at the local Blue Ridge Fire Station 13, joining the fundraising committee with his wife and assisting in teaching CERT classes. He also became a prominent member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church, where he established and led a men's bible study group. He was always there to lend a helping hand to family and friends with various household projects, car problems, and anything else they might call on him for. Larry also developed a love for wood working and shared this passion with his sons, grandsons, and close friends in the shop that he hand-built himself.
We'd like to extend a special thank you to the Heartlite Hospice in Blue Ridge for their loving care and support we received. Also thank you to all the staff at Northside Hospital for their enduring dedication to curing this cause.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 22, 2016 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Shepherd on the Hills Lutheran Church, 823 Forge Mill Road, Morganton, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Larry's name to Heartlite Hospice Care at 587 Highland Crossing, East Ellijay, GA 30540 or to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in memory of Larry Raybon for Feed the Children.