Robert B. Rash

Robert Rash, age 79, was born on April 3, 1946, and went Home to Jesus on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife, Diane. After 20 years of separation, Robert 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), Garret, Levi, David, and Bethany Lacey. Robert is survived by his four great-grandchildren whom he adored and who adored him in return: Harper, Harmony, and Landon Lacey, and Freya Maldonado. To know Robert 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. Robert is lovingly remembered by many other family and friends who will miss him including special cousin, Betty Dunaway.

Robert 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. If he said he would be somewhere, he was there on time, every time. That meant everything to those who loved him. 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. When life went sideways, his family always knew Robert would be standing right there ready to help. It was a privilege and a rare gift to have him as a father, grandfather, and husband.

Robert 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, Robert 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 30 years, a role he took great pride in.

Robert 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 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.

Robert was the definition of what a man should be. What a husband, father and grandfather should be. He was a simple, blue-collar, working-class man who believed in God and family, and he will be missed beyond words. He was as close to perfect as one could get and he was among the most patient, kind, dependable, resilient, loyal, honest, humorous, loving, and respectful human beings a person could ever know.

Robert was all of this and more, and those he leaves behind will strive to honor his memory by carrying on his legacy. He left behind very big shoes to fill.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm Sunday, January 4, 2025, at Rose Funeral & Cremation Broadway. A Prayer Service will follow at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 9:30 am Monday, January 5, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment will follow in New Gray Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org)