Dee Robert (Bobby) Rankey Jr.

Dee Robert (Bobby) Rankey, Jr., of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025 after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.

He was born to Floyce Heath Rankey on August 30, 1952. His father, Dee Robert Rankey, Sr., had passed away from this life 8 months prior. At 11 months, his mother married Bryant Russell Black, who would become his Dad.

Bobby grew up in both Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Florida. He then moved to the Atlanta, GA, area in 1970, where he graduated from Greater Atlanta Christian School. It is here he met and eventually married Gail French on April 20, 1973. They went on to have two children, Melissa and Christopher.

Bobby worked most of his adult life as a jeweler, but was truly a jack-of-all-trades. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed anything on the water.

His greatest gift was his ability to make friends. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything. He was loved by all who knew him and will be remembered as a friend who was always willing to help.

He is preceded in life by his father(s) Dee R. Rankey, Sr., and B. Russell Black, and his mother Floyce H. (Rankey) Black.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail French Rankey; his children Melissa R. Craft and Christopher D. Rankey (Marcy); four adored grandchildren: Ethan Craft, Aiden Craft, Ava Rankey, and Devon Rankey; his brother R. Mark Black (Dodie); his sister Carol Black Tribble (Jim); brother-in-law Jeff French; his loving nieces and nephew, several aunts and uncles, and a host of cousins.

We love you always, Bobby. Rest in peace. Until we meet again.