Greg Rankin

Gregory Allen Rankin passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 6, 2026, after battling health issues over the past few years. Greg was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on New Year’s Eve of 1962, to Shirley and Clarence Rankin.

He graduated from the University of Kentucky, where he discovered a passion for cooking as the kitchen manager at his fraternity house. After graduation, Greg packed up his hand-me-down 1976 Pontiac Bonneville and moved to Dallas, Texas, to pursue a career in cooking. He began his career in the Dallas fine-dining community as a prep cook at The Pacific Café, where he spent most of his time hosing out trash cans and filleting fish. But his talent could not be ignored, and he was hired as the Pastry Chef at The Mansion on Turtle Creek under Chef Dean Fearing. That position prepared him to take on the role of Head Chef at the then newly opened Buffalo Club in Deep Ellum, Dallas.

In search of better working hours, Greg launched the Catering Company in 1991 and quickly became one of the most respected high-end caterers in Dallas. He earned a reputation of being the consummate service provider who was creative, smart, reliable, and pragmatic. He combined his two passions of food and art by catering many art related events, often quietly donating his services to galleries, emerging artists, and charities. He especially enjoyed volunteering to be “Private Chef for the Night” for many friends, family members, and business colleagues who were celebrating their birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

In 1993, Greg married Gerri Key. In 1996, their daughter Sophia (the apple of Greg’s eye) was born.

In the twilight of Greg’s career, he partnered with the management team at Old Parkland, the historic business campus in Dallas, where he was responsible for managing food, beverage, and catering operations. He was especially proud that he and his food service team, some of whom have been with him for over 30 years, could assist the Old Parkland management team in delivering world-class food service on campus.

Greg was a loyal, generous, and thoughtful husband, father, friend, and business associate who was always helping others. As a chef and caterer, he relished bringing joy to people through his food and events. In addition to food, art, and design, he enjoyed travelling, especially trips to the South of France with his extended family.

Greg is survived by his mother Shirley Rankin of Lexington, KY; brother Clarence Rankin, Jr. (wife Sandy) of Harrodsburg, KY; sister Tammy Goodaker (husband Chris) of Louisville, KY; daughter Sophia Rankin of Brooklyn, NY; numerous beloved cousins and first cousins once removed from his 16 aunts and uncles; and his beloved nieces and nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his father Clarence.

A memorial service to remember and honor Greg will be held at a date and location to be determined.