Raphael Cuthbertson, Sr.

Mr. Raphael Cuthbertson, Sr., 87, of Charlotte, NC. passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019 at White Oak Manor Nursing and Rehab. Center.Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 22,2019 at Rock Hill AME Zion Church 2723 W. Lawyers Rd. Indian Trail, NC 288079.Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am .Military rites and interment will take place at the Gethsemane Memorial Gardens. 1520 W.Sugar Creek Rd.  Charlotte, NC 28269.

The Obituary

Lieutenant Colonel Raphael Cuthbertson was born on November 24, 1931 in Mint Hill, North Carolina to the late Estelle Lewis and Banks Hilton Cuthbertson. Raphael Cuthbertson departed this earthly life on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at White Oaks Manor Facility, Charlotte, North Carolina.  At an early age, Colonel Cuthbertson accepted Christ and joined Rock Hill AME Zion Church.

Raphael was educated in the Mecklenburg County Schools, graduating from Clear Creek High School in 1950.  Pursuing his interest in agriculture, Raphael chose to attend NC Agricultural and Technical State University.  He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma. While enrolled, he was active in the Army ROTC and National 4-H Club Foundation.  Raphael became the first Black youth selected to the International Farm Youth Exchange program from the state of North Carolina.  He spent six months in England and Wales with eleven different farm families in six different areas.  At the time of this selection, he was a senior at NC Agricultural and Technical State University.

Raphael graduated after his return from the British Isles and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1954 while embarking upon military service. During this period, he served two tours in the Republic of Vietnam and received numerous awards, medals and decorations including the following: Bronze Star Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Parachute Badge; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Vietnam, Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Ten Year Device; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Meritorious Service Medal.  Last overseas service: Germany; Basic Infantry Officer; Airborne #4, Ranger #5; Ordnance Nuclear Weapons Office; Counterinsurgency & Special Warfare Staff Officer; Ordnance Officer Career.  While stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, he retired from the United States Army with an Honorable discharge and twenty years of Distinguish Service.  Raphael was stationed in South Korea (ROK); Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Republic of Vietnam, and Germany. He was a master mason member of Amos T Hall Lodge No. 142, Zweibrucken, Germany and Prince Hall Military Consistory No. 304, Valley of Frankfurt, Orient of Germany.

Following retirement Raphael and his family settled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and joined Wesley Union AME Zion Church.  He accepted employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and worked as a Management Analyst for twenty years.  In 1993, he returned home to Mint Hill, North Carolina and reunited with Rock Hill AME Zion Church.  He served faithfully as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Men’s Choir, Garden Calvary Choir, the Men’s Booster Club Ministry, the Health and Wellness Ministry and member of the Sunday School Department.  He was a devoted Christian who loved his church, family and friends, and often communicated with close friends all over the world.  Raphael was an active member of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Charlotte Chapter.

He was preceded in death by Sisters Elnorris Washington and Polly Cuthbertson, one brother Melvin Cuthbertson, and Evan Cuthbertson, his infant grandson.

Raphael Cuthbertson is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary H. Cuthbertson, six sons, Michael Cuthbertson, Benson Cuthbertson (Pattie), Lyndon Cuthbertson, Raphael Cuthbertson, II (Stacye), Fredrick Cuthbertson (Stephanie), and Patrick Cuthbertson.  He is also survived by two stepchildren: Elgin Bailey and Erica Bailey Adams. Twelve grandchildren: Nathan, Jordan, Courtney, Raphael III, Everett, Ethan Cuthbertson, Ethan Adams, Taylor, Lena, McKenzie, Elaina, D’Monte, and one great-grandson, Shilah.