FLORENCE, SC John Thomas Rabun, Sr., 95, lifelong servant of Christ, devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend passed away peacefully at his home in Florence, SC on Tuesday, May 27, 2013. He loved his family, he loved his work, and he loved to laugh. And in living his long, full life, he remained independent, optimistic, and always courageous. His quiet ways and insightful humor were extraordinary gifts he generously shared with others through his last day on earth. Mr. Rabun was born July 24, 1917 in Bremen, GA to the late Cyrus Abraham and Ola Mayes Rabun. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Birmingham, AL, and the McDorman Sunday School Class. He served honorably in the US Army Air Corps in the European Theater during World War II, helping transport wounded soldiers and deliver supplies. He is survived by his wife, Frances Lee Mathews Rabun; son John (Elizabeth) Rabun, Jr. of Florence, SC, daughter, Elizabeth (Michael) Warren of Richmond, VA; sister, Vivian Rabun Irwin of Birmingham, AL; sister-in-law, Faye Mathews of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, John (Kendall) Rabun III of New York, NY, Taylor (Scott) Johnsen of Windsor, CA, Kelly "Trip" (Anita) Ritter III of Wilson NC, and Davis (Gabi) Ritter of Winston Salem, NC; great-grandchildren James Johnsen, Emma Johnsen, Eliza Rabun, and Thomas Rabun. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gerard Jebaily, MD, Laura McKay, RN, and the staff of McLeod Family Medicine Center for their extraordinary care and compassion. A private inurnment will be held Monday, June 3, 2013 at Florence National Cemetery and will be followed by a memorial service at 3 pm in the chapel on the Florence campus of the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church - 518 19th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203.