SMYRNA, Tenn. (WGNS) - The Smyrna community is mourning the loss of a local legend. W.E. “Dub” Raborn, the adventurous founder of Raborn Insurance Agency and a witness to some of the 20th century’s most pivotal historical moments, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was 85 years old, passing just one day before what would have been his 86th birthday.

His family shared that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, concluding a life defined by courage, service, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

A Life of High Adventure

Long before he became a cornerstone of the Smyrna business community, Dub Raborn was a man of action. In the early 1960s, he served as a Montana Smoke Jumper, parachuting into the rugged wilderness to fight forest fires. His work in this elite unit was so notable that he was featured in the 1961 Disney film “A Fire Called Jeremiah,” a production that brought the bravery of smoke jumpers to a national audience.

Standing on the Front Lines of History

In 1965, as a member of the Alabama National Guard, Raborn was called to duty during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In a rare historical distinction, he was among the guardsmen selected to provide security for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the monumental march from Selma to Montgomery. He also stood watch during the desegregation of the University of Alabama, witnessing firsthand the shifting tides of American history.

The Raborn Legacy in Smyrna

After moving to Smyrna in 1970, Raborn founded the Raborn Insurance Agency in 1973. What started as a small operation in a family bedroom grew into a multi-generational pillar of the town. Now a third-generation business, the agency remains a testament to Dub’s work ethic and his belief in community-rooted commerce.

A Devoted Family Man

Despite his storied past—from Hollywood screens to the front lines of social change—Dub often told his friends and family that his greatest treasure was his home life. He was known for a personal rule that no family member ever left his presence without a hug.

In a heartfelt tribute, his son Baker Raborn noted the bittersweet timing of his father’s passing: "I have always been so proud to call him dad, and today, on what would have been his 86th birthday, he has the greatest gift of all."

Dub Raborn is survived by his wife, Margie, and his three sons: Derek, Greg, and Baker Raborn, as well as a community that is significantly better for his 56 years of residence.