Kevin Ray Rankins, 68, of 605 Brevard Street, Statesville, N.C., who was affectionally know as “Winky” and very well known for his love, kindness and humble spirits, gained his wings at 6:05 a.m. on September 10, 2024, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. He was born to the late Sidney “Shorty” Marshal Rankins Sr. and the late Kathrine Davidson Rankins on March 13, 1956. 

Winky loved to go fishing as one of his pastimes. Cooking fish will be one of the most memorable traditions our family will miss. Not to mention he was a huge Carolina Tar Heels and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Winky was a member of Commandment Keepers Church of the Living God, Bibleway #1 (Headquarters). He served as a Trustee for Bibleway #1 as well as the Committee President of the Rankin Town Reunion.

Kevin graduated from Statesville High School, where he was a point guard for the basketball team. Upon completion of his high school career, he attended Mitchell Community College. He was a faithful employee of the City of Statesville, from where he retired after 45 years of dedicated service as a superintendent for the Sanitation Department.

In addition to his parents, Winky was also preceded in death by two brothers, William “Billy” Lackey and Gray F. Davidson; two brothers–in-law, James “JC” Carr and Rayvonne Stewart; one sister-in-law, Alvis Rankins; and three special friends, James “Whimp” Gray, Richard “Reco” Rucker and Bobby Knox.

Winky leaves to cherish his legacy a son, Kevin D. Rankins (Tonya); a daughter, Kenya Rankins; a godson; Bobby “BJ” D. Holmes Jr. (Telia); and a special niece whom he raised, Devona Arlette Scott. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Jada Rankins, Jasmine Rankins, Kaidyn Rankins, Kyron Rankins, DeShawn Holmes, Jaylen Williams, Jayquan Williams, and Jayvon Williams; two great grandchildren Jaylen Williams Jr. and Prince Jayceon Williams; five sisters, Linda Faye Carr, Brenda K. Rankins, Gwendolyn Rankins, Paulette Tucker (Clarence), and Celia Annette Boone; one brother, Marshall Rankins Jr., and a partner Cynthia Holmes; special friend, Johnny Ray Mayers Sr. (Lisa); along with a a host of special niece, nephews, cousins and extended family members who all loved and cherished him dearly.

Psalm 139: 1-3: You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Bibleway #1 (Headquaters), 326 E. Bingham Street, Statesville, NC 28677 at 12 noon. Mr. Rankins will remain at Nicholson Funeral Home until he is taken to the church to lie in state at 10 a.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until 12 noon. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will assemble at his daughter, Kenya Rankins’ home 719 North Kelly Street, Statesville, NC 28677 at other times.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Rankins Family.