Balsam Grove - Robert Keith Rathbone 85, passed away December 9, 2023.

He was born July 25, 1938 in Yancey County North Carolina to the late  Sam and Jessie Kates Rathbone.

His grandparents were Welzie + Melissa Rathbone, and George + Hessie Kates.

He is proceeded in death by his son, Brian Keith Rathbone, ex-wife and mother of their children Inza Shalma Blakeley Rathbone, Brothers Phillip + Cecil Rathbone of SC. Great Grandson Matthew Hall and Nephew Bobby Lowe.

Survivors include his children, Blair Rathbone of Yancey County, Deidre McCurry and Buddy of Balsam Grove, Brandon Rathbone and Trish of Balsam Grove, sister,  Mable Byrd of Brevard, grandchildren, Sammy McCurry and Amanda Mccall, Darren and Blake Rathbone, of Balsam Grove,  Laura Lively and husband Jonathan and Kristian Rathbone of Rosman,  Marci Rathbone of Marrieta SC,  BJ Rathbone of SC,  Krystal Lambert and Chris of SC,  great grandchildren, Clarie York, Winter McCurry, Ray Brown, Mckinnley Burkhart, William Hall, Isaiah Rigdon, Kayden and Ayvah O'Shields,  Roselee Frady, Christopher, Jasmine, Breden Lambert, nieces and nephews, Travis, Chris, Robin, Twana, Cathy, Sharon, Teresa, Dodie, Cindy and Chucky. Cousins, Dean Rathbone Silver Bay MN, Jimmy Rathbone of Hendersonville, and many more.

He owned and operated his own business, Mt Mitchell Evergreens for many years, gathering Galax, Leucothoe, moss etc., and selling them to florist shops. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was a true mountain man that loved being in the woods, he could survive in the mountains and did many times. Bernie said God had a forest made just for him full of 10 prong ginseng. He loved his dogs Kate and bandit.

Thank you to Blair Rathbone and Rita Biddix for taking such good care of them for him and bringing them to see him. The family would like to thank the care team at Kingsbridge for all the loving care he received during his time there. He is loved very much and will be missed dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.