Ecclesiastes 12:7 " Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Life Reflections
A smile for all, a heart of gold, one of the finest this world could hold
Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories he leaves behind…
Mr. John Franklin Rankin, 72, of Statesville, peacefully transitioned on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Accordius Health, in Statesville, NC. He was born in Iredell County, on February 27, 1949, and was the son of the late Albert Lee Rankin, Sr., and Sadie Lee Hamilton Rankin.
In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his four sisters, Gloria Kay Rankin, Sally Ann Rankin Sharpe, Doris Steele, and Jewell McGregor and two brothers, Billy Long and Harvey Long.
John was an avid learner and excelled in academics. John graduated with honors from Morningside High School. He furthered his education at NC A&T before he joined the Navy and then went on to obtain his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. John continued to excel in academics and then went on to obtain a graduate degree at Howard University Graduate School, Washington, DC, in Urban Studies and Education.
John also served proudly in the United States Navy, where he was honorably discharged. While in the Navy, he attended Neuropsychiatric Technical School at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, and the United States Navy Hospital Corpsman School, Great Lakes, Illinois where he received honorable distinction.
John touched the lives of many through his many labors of love. John was a current member of Logan Presbyterian Church. While living in Maryland, John was a long time member of Union Temple Church where he sang on the Mass and Men's choir, participated in various community service projects and served on several committees. He was a retired Mental Health Counselor, who worked at various mental health agencies and served on several committees throughout his successful career. John was an active community activist and volunteer. John volunteered at the Fishing School, the Democratic party, Morningside Alumni Association and the NAACP. John also volunteered his time as a Counselor/Recreational Assistant and a Youth Sports Coach. John was also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his son, John Anthony Rankin and his step-daughter, Jasmine Parker, both of whom reside in Maryland; three brothers, Benjamin Lee Rankin of Statesville, N.C., Albert Lee Rankin, Jr. of Blythewood, SC and James Edward Rankin of Statesville, N.C; his beloved sister, Thelbert Summers of Statesville; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, neighbors, church family and friends.
Day is done, gone the sun, from the lake, from the hills,
from the sky, all is well, safely rest, God is nigh!
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Logan Presbyterian Church in Scotts. Reverend Kaye Barrow-Ziglar, Pastor will officiate and burial will follow in the Logan Presbyterian Church Cemetery Cemetery with Military Rites. Mr. Rankin will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 1:00 p.m. Members of the family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m., but will assemble at the residence at other times.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Rankin at www.rutledgeandbigham.com. Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the Rankin Family.