Gary Bruce Rankin's Obituary
Gary Bruce Rankin, 83, of Tallahassee, Florida, and formerly of Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026. He lived a life grounded in faith, family, friends and fun.
Bruce attended Western Michigan University before earning an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree from Purdue Calumet.
Bruce retired from John Deere as a Production Control Manager after a distinguished career in manufacturing at Homelite, Keene, and CTS. He was an active member of the American Production and Inventory Control Society throughout his professional life. Early in his career, while working at CTS, he was part of the team that manufactured micro components for the Apollo Space Program, contributing to one of America's greatest achievements in space exploration.
One of Bruce's proudest accomplishments was serving with his family as founding members of the mission community that grew into St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. His commitment to the parish continued for many years as he generously supported its growth and future building campaigns.
Bruce loved spending time with family and friends, whether traveling throughout the United States or exploring destinations around the world. He found great satisfaction in home improvement projects, woodworking, winemaking, and tinkering with just about anything that could be repaired or improved. He also served for many years on the Heritage Lakes Homeowners Association Board and was an active member of the Keowee Sail Club. In retirement, he was proud to be an election poll worker and supervisor.
Whether he was building something in his workshop, sharing a bottle of homemade wine, sailing with friends, engaged in a project at church, volunteering, or cheering on his grandchildren and great grands, Bruce found his greatest joy in bringing people together.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen Steill Rankin; his daughter, Dr. Karinda Barrett, and her husband, Michael Barrett; and his daughter-in-law, Jessie Rankin. He was a proud Papa to Jensen Barrett, Marshall Barrett, William "Shives" Rankin, Avery Rankin, and Maggie Rankin, and a cherished Great Papa to Finnley Barrett and William "Grey" Rankin. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Bruce Rankin.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, where Bruce will be laid to rest. Service details will be announced as they become available.
Our family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Alzheimer's Project for bringing Bruce comfort, purpose, and joy, and to Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee for the compassionate care they provided during his final days.
In place of sending flowers, the family would prefer memorial donations made to the Alzheimer's Project or Hospice of the Big Bend at the websites below.
https://alzheimersproject.org/donate/ and https://bigbendhospice.org/foundation/donate/
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