Robert “Bob” Rankin, 89, died January 8, 2022, in Lexington, Kentucky. Born December 9, 1932, in Danville, Kentucky, he was the son of William and Ebbie Margaret Gilliam Rankin. He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Joan Rankin. Bob attended Camp Dick Robinson School and graduated from Parksville High School in 1951. Bob worked at Kentucky Utilities for 41 years as a lineman, serviceman, and ended as a service manager in Lancaster and Eminence. He was a member of Lexington Avenue Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon Emeritus and a member of the Dr. Austin Roberts Sunday School class and taught the sixteen year old boys class. He also enjoyed playing softball on the church’s team. Bob was a member of the Danville Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce as well as other community projects within the community and church. Bob loved talking with friends and neighbors, being outdoors and working in his yard as well as other outdoor projects. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than being with his family. He is also predeceased by his sister, Joan Lane; and his brother, William Rankin Jr.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Gwen Rankin Montgomery and Jennifer Rankin Baker; his son, Bruce (Jane) Rankin; six grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Montgomery, Robbie (Jessica) Montgomery, Scott (Sara) Montgomery, Eric Rankin, Elizabeth Baker and Nicholas Baker; and ten great-grandchildren, Jackson Montgomery, Max Montgomery, Macey Montgomery, Mia Montgomery, Parker Montgomery, Kaitlyn Montgomery, Sawyer Montgomery, Trevor Rankin, Aiden Rankin and Collin Rankin; his sister-in-law, Ruth (the late Bill) Rankin; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles and Sarah Wiltsee, and a very special friend, Jean Steinhauer.
The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday January 18, 2022 at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church. Rev Robert Baker and Rev Basil Hall will officiate. The active pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Burial will be in Bellevue Cemetery. All covid precautions will be observed. Memorial donations are suggested to The Gideons International. The online guestbook and our Hugs from Home program are available at www.stithcares.com.