Mr. John Franklin Rankin, 72, of Statesville, N.C., peacefully transitioned on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Accordius Health in Statesville.
Mr. Rankin was born in Iredell County, N.C., on February 27, 1949, and was the son of the late Albert Lee Rankin Sr, and Sadie Lee Hamilton Rankin. 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. He 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 in College Park. John continued to excel in academics and earned a graduate degree at Howard University Graduate School, Washington, D.C., in Urban Studies/Education.
John served proudly in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. While in the Navy, John attended Neuropsychiatric Technical School at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., and the United States Navy Hospital Corpsman School, Great Lakes, Ill., where he received honorable distinction.
John touched the lives of many through his many labors of love. He 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 and 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 stepdaughter, Jasmine Parker, both of whom reside in Maryland; three brothers, Benjamin Lee Rankin of Statesville, Albert Lee Rankin Jr. of Blythewood, S.C., and James Edward Rankin of Statesville; his beloved sister, Thelbert Summers of Statesville; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at Logan Presbyterian Church, 209 Logan New Amity Road, Scotts, N.C., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ziglar officiating. Interment will follow at Logan Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.