Kenneth R. Rankin, D.D.S

Kenneth R. Rankin, D.D.S.

Entering into eternal rest after battling an extended illness, Kenneth R. Rankin, 89, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013 at the Hospice House of Port Charlotte surrounded by his family. He was born on December 14, 1923 to Rashleigh and Sadie Rankin in Culpeper, Virginia.

Kenneth was an extremely loving, gentle, and generous man who was a true humanitarian who devoted countless hours and resources assisting those in need. He will be greatly missed by his son, Kenneth (Ann) Rankin, Jr., precious granddaughter Ashleigh, loving companion Betty Cardinal, and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Betty Jane Rankin, as well as his daughter Patricia Ann Rankin.

Upon being honorably discharged from the United States Naval Reserve, he began his pursuit of becoming a dentist earning an undergraduate degree at Northwestern University. He earned his doctoral degree at the University of Maryland's School of Dental Surgery and while teaching at the Medical University of South Carolina, he then obtained his master's degree in education at The Citadel. While in private practice in the Bethesda, Maryland and Washington, D.C. area for the majority of his professional career, he had a passion for teaching and was also an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Georgetown University.

He was a member of the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, the American Legion, the Elks Club, and the Canadian Legion. He was also a member of St. Charles Borromeo School's Education Foundation Committee and the Rotary Club for a number of years prior to devoting his life to caring for his beloved wife who passed away in 2004.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home 2405 Harbor Blvd. Port Charlotte, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Florida 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238-5188. Please visit the online tribute for Kenneth R. Rankin, D.D.S

At www.kays-ponger.com.