Robert Rash, age 79, was born on April 3, 1946, and went home to Jesus on Dec. 28.
Mr. Rash was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Diane. After 20 years of separation, Mr. Rash is once again peacefully at rest in the arms of his bride of 38 years.
Waiting to welcome him were his cherished mother, Lela Rash; his father, Paul Rash; and his brothers, Donald and Earl Rash. His entire core family, along with his wife, were there to embrace him at the gate. Left behind to carry on his legacy are his daughters, Lisa Rash Lacey and Kimberly Rash Magaro (Matthew Magaro). His greatest pride and joy were his five grandchildren: Corey (Deanna Maldonado) Lacey, Garret Lacey, Levi Lacey, David Lacey, and Bethany Lacey.
Mr. Rash also is survived by his four great-grandchildren whom he adored and who adored him in return: Harper Lacey, Harmony Lacey, and Landon Lacey, and Freya Maldonado.
To know Mr. Rash was to know the depth of his love for his family. He also leaves behind his very best friend, Walter, his beloved pup who never left his side and was always the best boy. He is lovingly remembered by many other family members and friends who will miss him, including special cousin Betty Dunaway.
Mr. Rash will be remembered as the kind of dad everyone hopes to have. He was present. He was dependable. He was a man of his word. He never missed a school play or band concert for his daughters. He showed up for every ballgame, recital, competition, and life event for his grandchildren. It was a privilege and a rare gift to have him as a father, grandfather, and husband.
Mr. Rash joined the Air Force in 1968, and he and his wife spent a short time living in Idaho during his service. After completing his time in the military, he returned to Knoxville, where he began building his family and his life. He went on to work for the city as an asphalt truck driver for 25 years, a role he took great pride in.
Mr. Rash wasn’t rich, didn’t have a flashy job, and didn’t own fancy things, but he was a provider. He worked every day and came home to his family every night. He loved and respected his wife deeply. They married when she was only 18, during a turbulent time, and they stood side by side through the Vietnam War era, house fires, depression, job loss, and countless other hardships.
The happiness and joy they shared carried them through every storm and strengthened their love. They were inseparable for 38 years. Only death separated them and now, in death, they are together once again.
Those Mr. Rash leaves behind will strive to honor his memory by carrying on his legacy. He left behind very big shoes to fill.
A funeral Mass for Mr. Rash was held on Jan. 5 at Immaculate Conception Church, with Immaculate Conception associate pastor Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, serving as the celebrant. A burial service followed at New Gray Cemetery in Knoxville. Donations in Mr. Rash’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).