Robert Wayne Rayburn

SM1 Petty Officer, Robert W. Rayburn of Dry Ridge, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 24th, 2023 at the age of 73. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on Thursday, August 4th, 1949 to the late Charles and Ova Rayburn. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by two of his brothers, Alan and Kenny Rayburn. In 1966, Robert graduated from Grant County High School and shortly following he began his service in the United States Navy, initially serving for four years. After returning from his first enlistment, he worked for the American Book Company in Florence, KY for several years. In 1981, at the age of 33, Robert enlisted back in the Navy and served for 22 years, 6 months, and 15 days more until his retirement from the military in 2003. During retirement, he worked a couple years at Walmart in Louisville, KY. On Saturday, October 20th, 1990, Robert married his best friend and the Love of His Life, Rita. She loved his hugs, and they spent their next 32 years together, never letting each other go. Besides his wife, Robert is survived by his son Chuck (Jamie) and daughter Tammy. Also surviving are Robert’s brothers: Larry (Lisa,Johnathan) Rayburn, Melvin Rayburn, Clifford (Terry) Rayburn, Paul (Lisa) Rayburn, and Terry Rayburn; as well as his Aunt Pauline and Uncle Bobby, along with his nieces and nephews. Robert loved the Lord and the family he gained at the Crittenden Baptist Church where he grew up and was a faithful member. He adored horses and was always a big fan of the “Duke” himself, John Wayne. Though his heart rested in Kentucky, Robert always supported his city of birth as a diehard Cincinnati Reds Baseball fan. And we could never forget to mention his cherished cats, all 16 of them, who were seen as additional children in his eyes. Robert leaves a legacy of his eight beloved Grandchildren: Christopher (Jessie), Joel, Victor, Brendon (Shaena), Natasha, Lauren, Kendall, and Jessica; as well as his treasured Great-Grandchildren: Great Grandson, Charlie, and Great-Granddaughters, Cali and Marley. Funeral services for Robert will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, March 31st, 2023 at the Eckler-McDaniel Funeral Home- 30 S. Main St. Dry Ridge, Kentucky. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Friday March 31st at the funeral home. Following the funeral service, a committal service will be held at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North- 205 Eibeck Ln. Williamstown, KY at 2:00 PM to honor Robert’s lifelong military career.