John Rather, age 80, of Greensboro, NC, ended his reign on the Earth on September 7, 2025. John was born on March 17, 1945, in Robeson County, North Carolina, to the late Luther Benjamin Rather and Gracie McRae Rather. He was the firstborn child and a beloved twin, sharing his early beginnings with his sister Mary, who preceded him in death.

John attended the public schools of Robeson County before dedicating his life to service in the United States Army. Beginning in 1973, his military journey took him to duty stations including Fort Ord, California, Germany, and beyond. His deep respect for military life later led him to continue serving in the National Guard.

While serving his country, John also worked at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital as an orderly, where he discovered his love for caring for others, a passion that would remain with him throughout his life. Following his time at the hospital, he began a long and fulfilling career with the City of Greensboro’s Solid Waste & Recycling Department, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

John lived a life marked by service, strength, and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Mary, his brother Luther, and his sister Annie Lois Thompson. He leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Hazel (Dennis) Davis and Ethel Rather Bullard, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and countless friends who loved him dearly.

To know John was to know both generosity and grit. He was a man who loved people deeply, but you never wanted to get on his wrong side. He lived with humor, loyalty, and a strong sense of self.

Music was one of John’s lifelong joys. He never met a song he did not like nor a dance he could not do. His favorite, “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler, won him recognition in a Future Famers of America (FFA) contest during high school and remained his anthem through the years. John also had a passion for cars, especially his beloved Corvettes and Camaros, as well as motorcycles. He embraced an active lifestyle, whether running, cycling, exercising at the YMCA, or spending time in the sauna.

The life John lived was one of living, loving, and putting others before himself. He will be remembered as a proud veteran, a faithful worker, a devoted brother, and a friend to all. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025, in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home Chapel located at 909 East Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27406 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held prior at 1:30 p.m.

Burial will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11am.Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville, Boulevard, Salisbury, NC 28144.