January 27, 1940 – February 20, 2023
Robert Roy “Bob” Rayle, Jr., 83, passed away at his home in Sheridan with his family by his side on Monday morning, February 20, 2023. Born January 27, 1940, in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Robert Roy Rayle, Sr. and Viva L. (Van Scyoc) Rayle-Wright.
Following graduation from Westfield High School with the Class of 1960, Bob honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He was very proud of his time in the service, and even prouder to be a member of the K.V. Elliott Sheridan Legion Post #67. He loved his legion family very much. He was a past commander of the Legion and dutifully served for many years as a member of their military funeral honors detail.
Bob was also a member of the Boxley United Methodist Church and Fidelity Lodge F&AM 309 of Sheridan.
Upon the completion of his military service, he hired on with International Harvester, which became Navistar, Inc. during his tenure with the company. Bob was cooped up in the office for the first 20 years, after which the manufacturing gods saw fit to transfer him where he would enjoy himself more – outside in the yard. For the remainder of his 40-year career with the company, Bob was behind the wheel of a spotter truck, keeping things in order like only he could.
If the weather was even the least bit nice, you could either find Bob out on the golf course or gettin’ in a little fishing. When winter rolled around, NASCAR (until Sr. died) and IU Basketball (while Bob Knight was still there) were welcome substitutes. And just like the rivalry between Gene Keady and the General, so it was between Bob Rayle and “Uncle Shug,” with fewer chairs thrown, but just as much cussin’.
Family was all that really mattered to Bob. He loved coaching his kids and following every activity that his grandchildren were involved in.
Bob is survived by his two sons, Robert R. “Rob” Rayle III (Penny) of Lebanon and Benjamin L. “Benny” Rayle of Kirklin; 2 daughters, Melissa L. “Missi” Rayle-Muir (Ed) of Sheridan and Candace R. “Candi” Rayle of Sheridan; nine grandchildren, Katie Muir (Jake), Nikki Muir (Chris), Eddie Muir, Robbie Rayle IV, Ethan Rayle, Brody Perry, Trebor Rayle, Julianne Clendenen (Jared), and Eric Lowe (Kelley); two great-grandsons, Jaxon and Sylus; brother, Richard “Dick” Rayle of Noblesville; sister, Jackie Cook of Noblesville; many nieces and nephews; and many, many bonus children … you all know who you are.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Roy Rayle, Sr. and Viva L. (Van Scyoc) Rayle-Wright; grandson, Justin Muir; sister, Mary Ruth McDonald and husband Keith; sister, Marie Dawson Covey; brother-in-law, Pat Cook; brother-in-law Robert Honnold and wife Malia; and by his loving wife, Carolyn (Honnold) Rayle on December 21, 1991. She and Bob were married on April 14, 1962.
Services with Military Honors will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Burial will follow at Boxley Cemetery in Boxley, Ind. Pastor Mike Bullick will be officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday evening, February 26, 2023, with Masonic Services starting at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the American Cancer Society, or to the Sheridan Youth Assistance Program.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com