Raoul William Sabatini, Jr.

Raoul W. Sabatini, Jr., age 77, took his last breath on June 1st, 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center with his wife Adoracion by his side. After a decade battle with Parkinson's, this wise and stoic man battled to the very end.

Raoul, the oldest of four children, was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 9, 1948 to a doctor with the same name Raoul W. Sabatini, Sr. and his resourceful, spirited mother named Betty Jane (Baehr) Sabatini. Raoul's legacy includes the indelible positive influence he had on his best friend and the love of his life, wife of 52 years, Adoracion P. Sabatini as well as his son Raoul W. Sabatini, III and beautiful granddaughter the “Infamous” Baby Jia A. Sabatini.

Raoul's favorite pastimes included reading, T. Rowe Price investing, playing Pinochle (an Ace-Ten card game), gardening, landscaping his home, Cubs and Sox baseball games, feeding the birds, nature walks, watching the rain from the garage, golfing, collecting golf balls, baseball card collecting, listening to Willie Nelson, watching old westerns, and anything to do with his wonderful and beautiful granddaughter Baby Jia!

Raoul's entire family rallied around him during his final month. His wife Adoracion, son Raoul III, granddaughter Baby Jia, and aunt Rosita (Nagel), drove countless hours to be there to the very end. Special thanks go to the ICU staff at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center where Raoul spent his final days.

Raoul is survived by his wife, Adoracion, his son, Raoul W, Sabatini, III, his only grandchild, Jia A. Sabatini, the Great Auntie Rosita L. Nagel, and brother Mark Sabatini. In addition to his parents, Raoul is preceded in death by his brother, Dean Sabatini; and sister, Dorian Sabatini.

Oh, time ain't always your friend.

It starts slow and gets faster towards the end.

So fill up your heart with love ❤️, pass it on before you go.

And thank the man upstairs that you were there to plant a seed and watch it grow!

Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM. 7503 Peavine Road, Crossville TN 38558. Reception immediately following in the church hall.

St. Francis, Model of humility and love, Pray for us to follow Christ's example. Help us to live in peace, Serve others with kindness, And care for God's creation with a joyful heart. Amen.

Arrangements and Care provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.