Jake Rathbun

Gary Wayne “Jake” Rathbun, 80, of Bailey NC, died at home Thursday, September 3, 2026 with his family by his side.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Miles Rathbun; sisters, Norma Patterson of Elkland, PA, and Charlene Walburn of Wilson, NC, and a brother, Duane Rathbun of Corning, NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents Merritt and Dorothy Rathbun; brothers, John Rathbun and Dale Rathbun; sisters, Barbara Jean Rathbun, Joan Gardner Sharp, and Sonya Bliss Wheeler.

Jake graduated from Elkland PA High School in 1964. He served his country proudly from 1964 to 1967 in the Army in food service, in the Air Bourne Unit, and in the Vietnam conflict.

He was employed by Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY and retired after 31 years in the Boiler Maintenance Department.

He married Phyllis Star Miles on July 11, 1970. They experienced 56 years of working, enjoying each other, and their pets.

He attended Bailey Baptist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir and volunteered for multiple church projects.

A visitation reception will be at Bailey Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 9, 4:00-6:00 PM followed by a service at 6:00 PM. A military service will be held at the Nelson Community Cemetery in Nelson, PA on September 19 at a time to be announced.

Memorials may be made to Bailey Baptist Church, 6646 Deans St, Bailey, NC 27807 or Little Rock OFWB Church, Van Fund, PO Box 340, Lucama, NC 27851.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com