Max Raby
February 9, 1941 -
February 16, 2023

Visitation

February 25, 2023
10am to 2pm

Service 

February 25, 2023
2pm

Interment

February 25, 2023
Obituary

Funeral service for Max Raby, age 82, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Ennis Hyman and Rev. Philip Bunch officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 10 AM until 2 PM on Saturday at Higgins Funeral Home.

Max was born on February 9, 1941, in Lynchburg, TN, to the late Gill and Elsie Phelps Raby. He was a 1959 graduate of the Moore County High School and a 1963 graduate of Middle Tennessee State College (now MTSU). Mr. Raby coached for four years at the old Robert E. Lee School and then joined the Fayetteville Junior High School when it opened in 1968. Coach Raby retired from Fayetteville Schools after 30 years of coaching boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, track, serving as athletic director, and the physical education teacher. After retirement from Fayetteville, Coach Raby accepted a position as boys basketball coach with Limestone County Schools in Ardmore, AL. Max’s coaching carrier continued another 10 years in Ardmore. Mr. Raby passed away on February 16, 2023, at Donelson Care Center.

Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Cathy Phillips Raby; daughters, Stacy Monet Raby (Joe Richardson) of Cookeville, TN, and Tori Raby of Hazel Green, AL; sisters, Wanda (Larry) Burns of Lynchburg, TN, and June Warren of Shelbyville, TN; step-daughter, Lori (Chris) Thornton of Fayetteville; step-son, Daniel Boone, III of Athens, AL; step-grandsons, Austen (Braden) Thornton, Wesley Thornton (Emily Paladino); step-granddaughter, Taylor Boone; step-great-grandson, Banks Thornton; numerous nieces, and nephews; sister-in-law, Sue Phillips Monks; and special friends, Jack Boaz, Ennis Hyman, Reagor Branch, and Sammy Caldwell. In addition to his parents, Max was preceded in death by his brother, Johnnie Watson Raby; sister, Anna Jewell Hale; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fabulous Fifties Foundation, P.O. Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334, or the Charity Cemetery Fund, c/o Danny Baker, 9941 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Lynchburg, TN 37352.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Max Raby.

Video Services

37 Comments

  1. Marilynn Smith Newman

    Coach Raby was a math teacher when I attended Fayetteville Jr High. He was stern and no nonsense, but he also would walk past me and encourage me when I was about to give up. He along with many other encouragers are one of the reasons I became a teacher. He had a powerful impact on my life

    Reply
  2. Karen Herrington

    Tori, I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know you loved him dearly and he loved you as well. I pray that all the memories you shared together will bring you comfort in the days ahead. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. God bless you.
    Karen Herrington

    Reply
  3. Lenace Hyde Lehnert

    Coach Raby was one of those people whom everyone learned a lot from and respected most. He taught from the old school that we can look back and say I remember Coach Raby as that kind of teacher and coach. The world is a better place and the students who had the privilege of having him in class gained so much from knowing him. I am glad to call him a friend and a man whom I respected from what was learned from him. Prayers to his family now and in the days to come.
    Lenace Hyde Lehnert.

    Reply
  4. Sissy Motlow Parks

    I am so blessed to have Coach Raby in my life.
    He was my teacher, coach and mentor. The best was when I went to FJHS and got to teach PE with him his last year with the City.
    There is no way I can put into words of how much he meant to me and the woman and coach I became.
    He spent 8 years with a bunch of little girls, teens and college women coaching and teaching us the game of fast pitch softball. HUSTLERS!! Fayetteville first tracing team. We loved him so much and his influence will always be with us.
    Rest in peace Coach and thank you for all you did for me.

    Reply
  5. Tony Hockett

    Thank you for allowing me to be the first African American quarterback at Fayetteville Junior High in 1971.

    Reply
  6. Vernon Frazier

    I only met Max a couple of years ago and we had several talks about the old times and memories we both had from years ago. I enjoyed those sessions very much he will be missed. I will miss seeing him may he fly away to a better world/home.

    Reply
  7. James Waller

    MY FAVORITE REMEMBRANCE OF COACH MAX RABY IS HIS TELLING A TEAMMATE DURING BASKETBALL PRACTICE: “JAMES, ONCE HE MAKES UP HIS MIND TO GO TO THE BASKET, DOESN’T TAKE HIS EYES OFF THE GOAL.” HIS REMARK IS EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT IN MY PRESENT LIFE. I SAW HIM ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND HE TOLD ME: “I SEE THAT YOU ARE STILL GROWING.” REST IN PEACE COACH.

    Reply
  8. Mickey Moffett

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Raby’s family. He was a great coach and teacher. He was fair and honest and taught all of his players to have respect for themselves and others and to be accountable for our actions. I am glad I had the opportunity to have him coach me in several different sports. There are a lot of life lessons that we learned from him. May God give Coach Raby’s family peace and comfort during this time of mourning.

    Reply
  9. Danny Gipson

    I was very proud of my Uncle Max because he was a good coach. I played 3 sports growing up and when we had family get gatherings he was always helping me. I would agree he could be tough. I think he got that from my grandfather. Thank you for all the great memories.

    Reply
  10. Matthew Riggins

    A good man.

    Reply
  11. Kevin Henderson

    Thank you Coach for making me the best I could be you push me to the top you are my #1 coach of all time just save me a spot when it’s my time and teach me more football love KevinHenderson

    Reply
  12. Rev Regina Brown Taylor

    Coach Raby was my Basketball and Track Coach at Fayetteville Jr High School. His persistent and diligent work ethic was positively etched in my life many years ago and I’m grateful. He taught me to physically workout, push my body to be stronger, and go the extra mile. Now, I am a Licensed and Ordained Minister of the Gospel, I have been married for 38 years to Retired Air Force MSgt Steve Taylor, I have 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and I have worked in the Federal Government for 27 years. My husband and I exercise by walking the bypass in Fayetteville. I am able to walk long distances due to the work ethic that I received from Coach Raby. He will be missed but his life and legacy will live on in his students. “To God Be All The Glory” And We Know That All Things Work Together For Good, To Them that Love the Lord, To Them who are called According to His Purpose Romans 8:28 Song: “Let The Work That I’ve Done Speak For Me”

    Reply
  13. John and Betty Taylor

    Tori, Monet, and Cathy

    Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. Max was respected as a coach, and we are sure he influenced many young lives. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace.

    Reply
  14. Janine Wilson

    Max and I were friends for over 40 years and we have lost a unique individual and a good man. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be remembered fondly by many. Eddie and I send condolences to his family.

    Reply
  15. Lewis Owens

    Coach Max Raby;
    You taught me how to play the game with skill and passion. I thank you for that because a lot of the lessons on the field were life lessons off the field. You was a great man to me and may you rest in peace

    Reply
  16. Shaterra King Miller

    My most sincere condolences to the Raby Family. May the Lord give you comfort and peace. Coach Raby was the best coach I ever had! He was one of the greatest of all times and will truly be missed.

    Reply
  17. Alice F Ford

    Deepest and sincere condolences to the family of Coach Ray. He was a great Coach and was my Track Coach at FJHS. Resr in paradise.

    Reply
  18. Rickey Honey

    Prayers to family My coach at RELee in football and basketball Haled hay and worked in tobacco patch for him Loved this man as a coach and friend

    Reply
  19. Benny King

    Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. If I can do anything please call. Ben

    Reply
  20. Carol Petty White

    I have so many fond memories of growing up Charity with Max and his family.
    My deepest sympathy to family.

    Reply
  21. Nancy Sams

    Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Raby, I didn’t know him personally but he was a good neighbor to my Mom and Dad, the Davidson’s.

    Reply
  22. Marcella Love Beavers

    Coach was a very good coach I played basketball and ran track for him . I will truly miss him

    Reply
  23. Amenia Landers

    My condolences and prayers to the family. Coach Raby was awesome!

    Reply
  24. Ray Steelman

    It’s hard to believe Max is gone. He was a great mentor for me and I eventually joined him at Fayetteville Junior High where we shared in the coaching duties and taught school. Over the years, I have thought about him almost daily. He was a great friend and one that I will always remember.

    Reply
  25. Shelby Gooding Thompson

    He taught me how to tie my shoes 24 years ago. He tied my shoes everyday in PE until I figured it out on my own. Such a small act of kindness that he didn’t think twice about but has stuck with me my whole life.

    Reply
  26. SHELIA HADLEY HENDERSON

    Thoughts and Prayers for the family Coach Raby will always be Remembered to me as one the Best Coaches ever ! Rest In Peace Coach.

    Reply
  27. Alvin Palmer

    Coach Raby gave me the opportunity to start my career with him. In the spring of 1978 I had the extreme pleasure of doing my student teaching and coaching with a great man and coach.
    God Bless the family and Coach will be missed!

    Reply
  28. Sharon Blalack-McClendon

    I had just learned to tie lanyards while I was a basketball manager in 8th grade. I must have given him dozens of them for his whistle. I couldn’t play basketball well or run track well, but I loved being the basketball manager. What a great teacher he was, and a wonderful mentor. Sending much love to his family. Rest in peace Coach.

    Reply
  29. Beverly Brown -Hadley

    The best and hardest coach ever,but always fair.An admirable man Sleep in peace Coach

    Reply
  30. Mike & Jeanie Hyde

    Max was a great coach and wonderful friend.
    He will be missed by all that knew him.
    Prayers to his family in their time of loss.

    Reply
  31. CAPTAIN SCOTT SHELTON

    Coach Raby was the first coach I ever had. He taught me how to play baseball in minor league.
    Later when I arrived at FJHS, I was reunited with him as my P.E.teacher, football, and track coach. He taught me discipline, team work, and how to stand up for yourself.
    I feared and more importantly, respected him.
    He was the most inspirational Coach/Instructor I ever had during my time in school. He left an unforgettable impression on me for life.
    I am forever grateful to have had him in my life. I wish I had had his coaching longer.
    He was particular, tough, belligerent, and knew how to motivate the best out of oneself. He will never be forgotten!
    My deepest sympathy to his family.

    Very respectfully,
    Scott Shelton
    Captain, Delta Airlines

    Reply
  32. Rebecca Jane Jeans

    William and I worked with Mr Max at Tate Farms. Such a wonderful man!

    Reply
  33. Roger Laster

    The best coach I’ve played for
    He had a way of getting more out of a player than they thought
    I also will miss the man

    Reply
  34. Jerry Raby

    I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

    Reply
  35. Teresa Honey

    So sorry for your loss.He was a good man and loved sports.Teresa Honey

    Reply
  36. MaryAnn Mason

    Cathy, I’m so sorry to hear about Max! Max and I go way back and Wade and I always had good memories of Max. Bless you and your family.

    Reply
  37. Phillip Brown

    Some of our best memories are on Uncle Max’s farm. Our love and prayers to the family as you go through these very hard days.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Memories

37 Comments

  1. Marilynn Smith Newman

    Coach Raby was a math teacher when I attended Fayetteville Jr High. He was stern and no nonsense, but he also would walk past me and encourage me when I was about to give up. He along with many other encouragers are one of the reasons I became a teacher. He had a powerful impact on my life

    Reply
  2. Karen Herrington

    Tori, I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know you loved him dearly and he loved you as well. I pray that all the memories you shared together will bring you comfort in the days ahead. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. God bless you.
    Karen Herrington

    Reply
  3. Lenace Hyde Lehnert

    Coach Raby was one of those people whom everyone learned a lot from and respected most. He taught from the old school that we can look back and say I remember Coach Raby as that kind of teacher and coach. The world is a better place and the students who had the privilege of having him in class gained so much from knowing him. I am glad to call him a friend and a man whom I respected from what was learned from him. Prayers to his family now and in the days to come.
    Lenace Hyde Lehnert.

    Reply
  4. Sissy Motlow Parks

    I am so blessed to have Coach Raby in my life.
    He was my teacher, coach and mentor. The best was when I went to FJHS and got to teach PE with him his last year with the City.
    There is no way I can put into words of how much he meant to me and the woman and coach I became.
    He spent 8 years with a bunch of little girls, teens and college women coaching and teaching us the game of fast pitch softball. HUSTLERS!! Fayetteville first tracing team. We loved him so much and his influence will always be with us.
    Rest in peace Coach and thank you for all you did for me.

    Reply
  5. Tony Hockett

    Thank you for allowing me to be the first African American quarterback at Fayetteville Junior High in 1971.

    Reply
  6. Vernon Frazier

    I only met Max a couple of years ago and we had several talks about the old times and memories we both had from years ago. I enjoyed those sessions very much he will be missed. I will miss seeing him may he fly away to a better world/home.

    Reply
  7. James Waller

    MY FAVORITE REMEMBRANCE OF COACH MAX RABY IS HIS TELLING A TEAMMATE DURING BASKETBALL PRACTICE: “JAMES, ONCE HE MAKES UP HIS MIND TO GO TO THE BASKET, DOESN’T TAKE HIS EYES OFF THE GOAL.” HIS REMARK IS EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT IN MY PRESENT LIFE. I SAW HIM ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND HE TOLD ME: “I SEE THAT YOU ARE STILL GROWING.” REST IN PEACE COACH.

    Reply
  8. Mickey Moffett

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Raby’s family. He was a great coach and teacher. He was fair and honest and taught all of his players to have respect for themselves and others and to be accountable for our actions. I am glad I had the opportunity to have him coach me in several different sports. There are a lot of life lessons that we learned from him. May God give Coach Raby’s family peace and comfort during this time of mourning.

    Reply
  9. Danny Gipson

    I was very proud of my Uncle Max because he was a good coach. I played 3 sports growing up and when we had family get gatherings he was always helping me. I would agree he could be tough. I think he got that from my grandfather. Thank you for all the great memories.

    Reply
  10. Matthew Riggins

    A good man.

    Reply
  11. Kevin Henderson

    Thank you Coach for making me the best I could be you push me to the top you are my #1 coach of all time just save me a spot when it’s my time and teach me more football love KevinHenderson

    Reply
  12. Rev Regina Brown Taylor

    Coach Raby was my Basketball and Track Coach at Fayetteville Jr High School. His persistent and diligent work ethic was positively etched in my life many years ago and I’m grateful. He taught me to physically workout, push my body to be stronger, and go the extra mile. Now, I am a Licensed and Ordained Minister of the Gospel, I have been married for 38 years to Retired Air Force MSgt Steve Taylor, I have 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and I have worked in the Federal Government for 27 years. My husband and I exercise by walking the bypass in Fayetteville. I am able to walk long distances due to the work ethic that I received from Coach Raby. He will be missed but his life and legacy will live on in his students. “To God Be All The Glory” And We Know That All Things Work Together For Good, To Them that Love the Lord, To Them who are called According to His Purpose Romans 8:28 Song: “Let The Work That I’ve Done Speak For Me”

    Reply
  13. John and Betty Taylor

    Tori, Monet, and Cathy

    Prayers for all of you during this difficult time. Max was respected as a coach, and we are sure he influenced many young lives. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace.

    Reply
  14. Janine Wilson

    Max and I were friends for over 40 years and we have lost a unique individual and a good man. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be remembered fondly by many. Eddie and I send condolences to his family.

    Reply
  15. Lewis Owens

    Coach Max Raby;
    You taught me how to play the game with skill and passion. I thank you for that because a lot of the lessons on the field were life lessons off the field. You was a great man to me and may you rest in peace

    Reply
  16. Shaterra King Miller

    My most sincere condolences to the Raby Family. May the Lord give you comfort and peace. Coach Raby was the best coach I ever had! He was one of the greatest of all times and will truly be missed.

    Reply
  17. Alice F Ford

    Deepest and sincere condolences to the family of Coach Ray. He was a great Coach and was my Track Coach at FJHS. Resr in paradise.

    Reply
  18. Rickey Honey

    Prayers to family My coach at RELee in football and basketball Haled hay and worked in tobacco patch for him Loved this man as a coach and friend

    Reply
  19. Benny King

    Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. If I can do anything please call. Ben

    Reply
  20. Carol Petty White

    I have so many fond memories of growing up Charity with Max and his family.
    My deepest sympathy to family.

    Reply
  21. Nancy Sams

    Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Raby, I didn’t know him personally but he was a good neighbor to my Mom and Dad, the Davidson’s.

    Reply
  22. Marcella Love Beavers

    Coach was a very good coach I played basketball and ran track for him . I will truly miss him

    Reply
  23. Amenia Landers

    My condolences and prayers to the family. Coach Raby was awesome!

    Reply
  24. Ray Steelman

    It’s hard to believe Max is gone. He was a great mentor for me and I eventually joined him at Fayetteville Junior High where we shared in the coaching duties and taught school. Over the years, I have thought about him almost daily. He was a great friend and one that I will always remember.

    Reply
  25. Shelby Gooding Thompson

    He taught me how to tie my shoes 24 years ago. He tied my shoes everyday in PE until I figured it out on my own. Such a small act of kindness that he didn’t think twice about but has stuck with me my whole life.

    Reply
  26. SHELIA HADLEY HENDERSON

    Thoughts and Prayers for the family Coach Raby will always be Remembered to me as one the Best Coaches ever ! Rest In Peace Coach.

    Reply
  27. Alvin Palmer

    Coach Raby gave me the opportunity to start my career with him. In the spring of 1978 I had the extreme pleasure of doing my student teaching and coaching with a great man and coach.
    God Bless the family and Coach will be missed!

    Reply
  28. Sharon Blalack-McClendon

    I had just learned to tie lanyards while I was a basketball manager in 8th grade. I must have given him dozens of them for his whistle. I couldn’t play basketball well or run track well, but I loved being the basketball manager. What a great teacher he was, and a wonderful mentor. Sending much love to his family. Rest in peace Coach.

    Reply
  29. Beverly Brown -Hadley

    The best and hardest coach ever,but always fair.An admirable man Sleep in peace Coach

    Reply
  30. Mike & Jeanie Hyde

    Max was a great coach and wonderful friend.
    He will be missed by all that knew him.
    Prayers to his family in their time of loss.

    Reply
  31. CAPTAIN SCOTT SHELTON

    Coach Raby was the first coach I ever had. He taught me how to play baseball in minor league.
    Later when I arrived at FJHS, I was reunited with him as my P.E.teacher, football, and track coach. He taught me discipline, team work, and how to stand up for yourself.
    I feared and more importantly, respected him.
    He was the most inspirational Coach/Instructor I ever had during my time in school. He left an unforgettable impression on me for life.
    I am forever grateful to have had him in my life. I wish I had had his coaching longer.
    He was particular, tough, belligerent, and knew how to motivate the best out of oneself. He will never be forgotten!
    My deepest sympathy to his family.

    Very respectfully,
    Scott Shelton
    Captain, Delta Airlines

    Reply
  32. Rebecca Jane Jeans

    William and I worked with Mr Max at Tate Farms. Such a wonderful man!

    Reply
  33. Roger Laster

    The best coach I’ve played for
    He had a way of getting more out of a player than they thought
    I also will miss the man

    Reply
  34. Jerry Raby

    I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

    Reply
  35. Teresa Honey

    So sorry for your loss.He was a good man and loved sports.Teresa Honey

    Reply
  36. MaryAnn Mason

    Cathy, I’m so sorry to hear about Max! Max and I go way back and Wade and I always had good memories of Max. Bless you and your family.

    Reply
  37. Phillip Brown

    Some of our best memories are on Uncle Max’s farm. Our love and prayers to the family as you go through these very hard days.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *