As a week of rain gave way to sunshine, Timothy David Rafferty, 71, of Raleigh, passed away on June 14, 2019. Since enduring a lung transplant two years ago, he has fought bravely every day since with the support of countless friends and family, and peacefully left us Friday.
Tim grew up one of eight children in Dearborn, MI and was forever shaped by the endless love and altruism of his parents, Howard and Irene Rafferty. Tim volunteered to serve in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a sergeant and paratrooper in the 82 Airborne Division. Shortly after his return, he met the love of his life, Char and from there, never turned away from an adventure. For 47 years, they created a life and family together. He led his family and others by example, not only living by the Golden Rule but acting selflessly to support or protect anyone in his path. In his career, along with his team he pioneered many of the data storage networks and IT infrastructures that were the foundation of modern business, then transitioned later to insurance sales.
The Rafferty family's creative talent was expressed by Tim through his love of playing guitar and his sweet, gentle voice. He was happiest when playing for his legions of fans at Raleigh-area assisted living centers (14 of which he volunteered at for 15 years), learning, strumming and humming a new song at home, leading friends and family annually for Christmas carols, and getting as close as possible to the stage at scores of concerts. Tim also loved simple moments -- the joy of spending time with friends, sharing stories, pearls of wisdom or a high-quality dad joke, and waking his wife with a coffee and a kiss every morning.
Tim is survived by his wife, Charlene Rafferty; children, Lauren Rafferty Curler of New York City, Barrett Matthew Rafferty of Charleston, SC, and Katelyn Leigh Rafferty of San Diego; brothers, Thomas Daniels, Terence Douglas, and Theodore Dennis Rafferty; and sisters, Nancy Lee, Sandra Suzanna, Katherine Nanette, and Debra Lynn.
Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans - 3725 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY 41076 or through https://www.dav.org. Or do your next act of kindness in Tim's name.
A visitation will be held from 12:30-2:00pm on Monday, June 17 at Mitchell Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm. Friends and family are also invited to gather in a celebration of Tim's life at Saints & Scholars at 4:00pm Monday afternoon.
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