Dr. John Raber, former Dahlonega mayor, passed away on February 20, 2020. Not only did he serve two terms as mayor, but he was active in the community as a councilman, commissioner and professor at The University of North Georgia.
Originally from Altoona, PA, Dr. Raber received his doctorate from UGA. He had a passion for high school wrestling and moved to Dahlonega to develop the Lumpkin County High School wrestling program. He established “Dr. John’s Wrestling Camps” hosted all over GA. He was head wrestling official for the GHSA, NCAA, ACC and SEC collegiate wrestling and he recently accepted the distinguished honor as an inductee to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Dr. Raber also taught Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of North Georgia. He retired after 23 years of teaching and coaching, but he continued to serve his community. He first served on the Dahlonega City Council, two terms as Mayor, as Lumpkin County Commissioner and Lumpkin County Commission Chair, and as the Director of the Regional Development Council with the State of Georgia.
Not only did he serve in educational and leadership positions throughout his life, but he was also known for his compassionate act of kindness. He delivered sweets and breads to various ministries around Lumpkin County, calling it his “bread and sweet route.” He would deliver goods to the Children’s Home, Homeless Shelter, Women’s Shelter and others.
According to his obituary, there will be no services, instead he wishes to be remembered not once, but often. “Dr. Raber’s wishes were to be cremated and rather than having a single service to remember him by his wishes were that he be remembered every time a wrestling mat is pounded, and every time a kind deed is done in the town that he loved, Dahlonega, GA.”
To share a memory or condolence of Dr. Raber, visit andersonunderwood.com.
