Kenneth R. Rankin, D.D.S., 89, passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at the Hospice House of Port Charlotte, Fla., surrounded by his family; he has entered into eternal rest after battling an extended illness.

He was born Dec. 14, 1923, to Rashleigh and Sadie Rankin in Culpeper, Va.

Kenneth was an extremely loving, gentle and generous man, who was a true humanitarian. He devoted countless hours and resources assisting those in need. Upon being honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserve, he began his pursuit of becoming a dentist, earning an undergraduate degree at Northwestern University. Kenneth 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, Md., and Washington, D.C., areas 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.

Kenneth 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.

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

Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services.