Mr. Richard Stephen Rabon

Steve Rabon, 60, of Salisbury, NC and formerly of Florence, SC passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 16, 2014 in Salisbury with his family by his side. Steve was born July 25, 1953 in Conway, South Carolina to the late Richard Tillman Rabon and Jo Rabon Jordan. He graduated from Southside High School in Florence, SC in 1971. Steve met his wife on a blind date while attending the College of Charleston. After graduating from Francis Marion University, he taught Chemistry at Wilson High School in Florence, SC. In 1978, he moved the family to Salisbury, NC for a career at Frito Lay, Inc. He offered 36 years of exemplary service as an innovator for the company. He was a sharp dressed man, appreciating a freshly starched shirt and continental pants. He adored his wife as well as his three devoted sons. He loved beach music and took his family to the beaches of South Carolina every year – wearing Sperry Docksiders and humming to the Four Tops and Temptations on the drive down. His favorite songs were “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart and “Miss Grace” by The Tymes. He loved sitting on an oceanfront balcony and listening to the sound of the waves late into the night with his wife. His favorite restaurant was “Nibils” on the Surfside Pier; always ordering the Neptune Salad. Often, he could be found fishing on the pier, by riverside, or crabbing in the “swash” with family and friends. He loved nothing more than to watch Sunday afternoon golf with his family – only to fall asleep in his chair by the 16th hole. In April of 2013, he realized a life-long dream – to step on the hallowed grounds of the Augusta National Golf Club with his family to watch the Masters Tournament. He enjoyed playing golf with his family as a means of teaching them life lessons and always taught by example. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Lonnie Lou Neely Rabon of Salisbury, NC; three sons, Ashley and wife Shannon of Tega Cay, SC, Jim and wife Rebecca of Raleigh, NC, Graham and wife Shanna of Denver, NC; seven grandchildren, Hannah, Ellie, Sammy, Riley, Gavin, Macy, and Leland; his mother, Jo Rabon Jordan of Bluffton, SC; and three sisters, Cynthia Hartley-Leonard of Atlanta, GA, Pam Brown of Bluffton, SC, and Bettye Anderson of Bluffton, SC. A celebration of his wonderful life with family and special friends will be held in Tega Cay, South Carolina on Saturday, April 26. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Rowan Hospice & Palliative Care. This is not goodbye… This is so long for now. We love you so much. We can’t wait to see you again. For now, Dad’s gone fishin’ and maybe playing a few holes at Augusta in Heaven. Keep a spot ready for us…

Mr. Richard Stephen Rabon

July 25, 1953 - April 16, 2014