Riley Robert Rankin, the beloved husband of Marjorie Mc Cain Rankin, departed this life on Wednesday evening, March 6, 2024.
As a native and resident of Rockingham County, North Carolina for the majority of his life, he attended Washington High School. In September of 1942, he was inducted into the United States Army during World War II. With courage and tenacity, he faithfully defended his country and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant/Squad Leader. His patriotism earned him an honorable discharge. His romance with Marjorie Mc Cain led to their joining in Holy Matrimony on December 19, 1948 in Rockingham County, North Carolina. They shared the joys and sorrows of life together for seventy-five years. To God Be The Glory! Being nurtured by the influences of the Christian family resulted in him becoming a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church at a tender age. Later in life, he joined the Saint Paul United Methodist Church where he was a loyal member until the onset of infirmities. As an avid sportsman, he enjoyed baseball and was an Atlanta Braves fan.
His parents, Ida Bethel Rankin and Robert Rankin; son, Wesley Rankin; siblings, Ida Garrett, Frances Apple, Leonard Rankin and Rufus Rankin, preceded him in death.
Survivors are: beloved wife, Marjorie Mc Cain Rankin; daughter, Joan Rankin; son, Edward Wayne Rankin; special friends, Douglas Stockton, Sr. and Samuel Doggett; other relatives and friends. Special appreciation to Ancora Care (formerly- Hospice of Rockingham) and Vanessa Jones (Griswold Home Care).
Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024 from the Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1004 West Harrison Street. The Family visitation will be Sunday from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. Public viewing will be Saturday afternoon at Johnson & Sons.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1004 West Harrison Street.
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