Reverend Joel Ruell Raby

ASHEVILLE - Reverend Joel Ruell Raby of Asheville was carried into the arms of his loving Saviour on Sunday, December 23, 2012. Born October 28, 1947 in Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Oscar A. and Inez Taylor Raby. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Raby Rice, and brothers, Elmer, Earl, Carl, Juell and Hubert Raby, mother-in-law Blanche Shuford Hyatt and brother-in-law Rickey Hyatt. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 37 years, Diane Hyatt Raby, daughters, Katrina Robinson of Asheville, and Melissa Spurgeon and husband Joshua of Hendersonville, son, Pastor Jeremy Raby and wife Vera of Duck, West Virginia. He has 19 grandchildren which were all very special to him. Also surviving are brothers, Yuell "Red" Raby and wife Roberta of Woodfin, and Bobby Raby and wife Joan of Weaverville, brother-in-law, Steve Rice of Asheville and nieces and nephews, father-in-law, J. Maurice Hyatt of Barnardsville. His wife's family, Michael "Butch" and Becky Hogan Oliver, Frank and Marcia Hyatt Paul, Brenda Hyatt, LaMarr and Shirl Hyatt, Mickey and Cindy Hyatt, and nieces and nephews. Joel was generally a man of few words, a faithful member of Sanctified Baptist Church, he loved the Lord and was loved by everyone with whom he made contact. A graduate of North Buncombe High School, he was a United States Army Veteran, serving 4 years in Vietnam. Joel also graduated from Blanton's Business College with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting. He was employed for several years as an internal auditor for Hajoca Corporation and traveled across the nation. Desiring to spend more time at home with his family, he acquired employment as warehouse manager with Whitaker's General Medical which later became McKesson Surgical Medical. After the company left Asheville, Joel stayed on and made all their deliveries in a nine county area of WNC. Joel worked until his health no longer permitted and remained employed with the company until his demise. Joel loved playing and coaching softball and was an avid league bowler. He especially loved spending time at the beaches in North Carolina and South Carolina. In recent years, he looked forward to visiting his son and attending services at Elmira Baptist Church in West Virginia. Mr. Raby ministered each week to the residents of Brian Center for many years, first in Asheville, then Weaverville. In addition, he had a program for the residents of Hillhaven Rehabilitation in Asheville once each month for several years. His latest nursing home ministry was at Elderberry Healthcare in Marshall. Joel traveled with a mission group to Romania, where he was loved by all, especially the children. He established a street meeting on the courthouse lawn that was called the Crusade on the Green. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2012 in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville with his son, Pastor Jeremy Raby officiating. Burial will be held at Mount Sheba Church Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Mars Hill VFW Post #5483. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 27th at the funeral home. At other times the family will be at the residence. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Care of WNC, Attn. Love Lights, 21 Hospital Drive, Asheville, NC 28801. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Raby's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.