Robert Earl Rankin III died peacefully at his home in Cohasset, MA on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at the age of 81.  Known as Bob, he was born on February 14, 1942 in Brielle, NJ to the late Florence (Robinson) Rankin and Dr. Robert E Rankin Jr.   Bob is survived by his wife Carol of 51 years, his children Anne Gasbarro and husband Jay of Barrington, RI; Rob Rankin of Gunnison, CO; Elizabeth Strobridge and her husband Lee of Grantham, NH; Grandchildren Aidan, Hayley, Ainsley, Keagan and Shelby Gasbarro, William and Kahlyn Strobridge; Brother Stephen Rankin of Manasquan, NJ, Sister Carole Day and her husband Lawrence of Gladstone, NJ; Sister Linda Eckman and her husband John of Southport, NC; Uncle John Morrow and his wife Marilyn; Nieces and Nephews: Jesse and Kristen Rankin, Laurie and Keith Wheeler, Allison and Christopher Davis, Stephen and Brooke Day, Jolin and Chris Splees, Jason and Nicole Eckman, Bart and Elaine Anderson; Great Nieces and Nephews: Charlie, Finn, Dylan, Natalie, Owen, Loulie, Mackenzie, Avery, Max, Madison, Mary Katherine and Wills.

He spent his childhood on the Jersey Shore in Sea Girt and Manasquan, NJ with a brief time in Battle Creek, MI while his father served in a military hospital.  His love of horses, sports  and scouting began at a young age.  Bob learned at a young age that giving of yourself is the greatest gift - your time and patience and presence is important to share whether it be with your family, your teammates, friends or those who need a helping hand.  He is a 1960 graduate of Manasquan High School, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, a 1965 graduate of Defiance College where he was also a member of the lacrosse team, and he earned an MBA from Temple University in 1968.

Bob spent his entire career with Roadway Express.  He worked his way through the ranks building terminals into well run profit centers, constantly perfecting logistics and finding solutions to problems which brought him into the executive ranks.  Well regarded in his industry as an expert, he loved what he did professionally.

Bob was proud to have traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and beyond, hundreds of national parks and historical places.  Family was the most important part of his life.  There were many ski trips, weekends and vacations, sporting events and dinners with cousins, family and friends.

He was a proud 75 year member of the Boy Scouts of America achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and mentoring many scouts over the years both as a leader in Troop of Hudson, Ohio and Pack 1 and Troop 2 of Barrington, RI.  He camped every summer, had endless stories of Philmont and National Jamborees.  In retirement, he shared his knowledge to mentor many scouts and leaders - it brought him such pride and joy.

Services will be held at St John's Episcopal Church, 191 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806 on Thursday, June 29th at 2pm with a reception in their Field hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood to your local blood bank or making a donation to the Narragansett Council of Boy Scouts of America to help provide support to a child trying to  reach their potential, https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/546/appeal/5830  .