Alfred E. Lee Raby, 89, of North Platte, NE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Community Memorial Nursing Home in Burwell, NE. Alfred was born on August 23, 1934 in Gastonia, NC the son of Ralph Jennings and Lura “Polly” (Hensley) Raby.
Alfred entered the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He boxed while he was in the Air Force and was inducted into the “Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame” with a combined amateur and professional record of 75 wins, 9 defeats. “He’s got the kind of heart the Lord ought to give every fighter” said renowned amateur boxing coach T.L. McManus. Al loved music and played professionally for most of his life all over the country. He played gigs in small bars and famous venues such as the “Palomino Club” where, in its heyday, many country legends such as George Jones and Willie Nelson hosted events. Al was a true “showman” and loved entertaining people. He had an endless catalog of songs from old country to old rock that he could play from memory. Al married Marie Hawley on September 1, 1975. He was a loving husband, supportive father, and proud grandfather. He loved a good corn boil with his family including a fun-filled competition of who could eat the most ears of sweet corn. He never met a stranger and inspired and impacted so many people in many positive ways through his encouragement and charisma. You could see the joy around him, and he shared it with others. The community of North Platte will surely miss Al “The Rock” Raby.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 years, Marie; children, Daryl Raby of Gastonia, NC, Luke (Colleen O’Holleran) Raby of Denver, CO, Brandon (Kristine Henningsen) Raby of North Platte, and Misty (Dave) Schottelkotte of North Platte; stepchildren, Wanda (Ernie) Zachry of Stapleton, NE, Dennis (Susan Carracino) Kremer of Spokane, WA, and Rodney (Teri Cairns) Kremer of Bend, OR; grandchildren, Baila Atencio, Jack Raby, Emmett Raby, and Kingston Schottelkotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Raby; brothers, William Raby Sr., Ralph Raby Jr., and Herman Raby Sr.
Memorial services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Fort McPherson National Veterans Cemetery, near Maxwell. Following services at the Fort a gathering for family and friends will be held at The Espresso Shop in North Platte. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Fort Cody Music Series to support live music.