Beloved TPC member Ron Raby entered the Church Triumphant on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
Memorial Service: Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall
Ron Raby loved God, his family and friends, and serving people. He lived life one day at a time, with kindness, compassion, honesty, humor and more than a touch of stubbornness.
Ron Raby, 77, died at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on Aug. 3, 1940, in Farragut, TN.
He is survived by his wife, Nica Raby; brother Elliot Craig Raby (Nancy); daughter Patricia Annette Rillos (Kaae); son Russell Allen Raby (Pamela Craig); son Brian Andrew Raby (Jennifer); daughter Kimberly Anne Raby (Ken Rohr); nephew Landon (Kelly); and grandchildren Travis Rillos, Shane Rillos, Tess Rillos, and Riley Raby.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Charles Raby and Lois Isabella Russell Raby; son Keith Austin Raby; and nephew Andrew Raby.
Ron studied business administration at Emory University in Atlanta. After graduating in 1962, he embarked on what would be a 45-year career in the marine insurance industry. After working as a manager for Insurance Company of North America (INA), he flexed his entrepreneurial muscles and opened his own agency.
Throughout his career, Ron was dedicated to serving his clients by making sure they had the right coverage and by being there for them when they needed him. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Southeastern Fisheries Association for his support of commercial fishermen.
Growing up, Ron lived in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. He began his insurance career in Tampa, moved to Jacksonville, and then to Oviedo.
Ron was a long-time active member of Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder, a Stephen Minister, and as chair of the Service & Mission Committee. He loved going on mission trips and serving in other ways, such as being a bell ringer for the Salvation Army at Christmas. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Before his retirement, he was a member of Oviedo Rotary Club.
Ron’s interests included traveling (he loved road trips), model trains, watching football (he was a loyal University of Florida Gator fan), and getting to know people. A licensed pilot, he loved flying his small plane. His genuine interest in people kept him asking questions of everyone he met, even during the worst times of his illness.
Ron lived by the Serenity Prayer, changing what he could, accepting what he couldn’t, and recognizing the difference. The number of people he touched with his care, concern, and compassion will never be known.
The family is grateful for the care provided by the doctors and staff at UF Cancer Center and Hospice of the Comforter.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, 11 a.m. in the sanctuary at Tuskawilla Presbyterian Church, 3600 Aloma Ave., Oviedo, FL 32765, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. At a later date, the family will scatter Ron’s ashes in Montana, one of his favorite places.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ron Raby’s memory to UFHealth Cancer Center through the Orlando Health Foundation. Visit www.orlandohealthfoundation.com/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-gift for details on the memorial gift process.
Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Oviedo, is handling the arrangements.