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Edwin Elbert Rankin
Edwin Elbert “Bud” Rankin died peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 13 after a brief illness. He was 93.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Lois Jackson Rankin, who died in 2004; by
their infant son Richard Earl “Rickey” Rankin in 1954, and by his parents, Earl W. and Beatrice
Rankin of Marion, Kentucky.
Mr. Rankin is survived by three children: Jaime Stone (Tommy), Marjo Rankin, and Jed Rankin
(Susan), all of Marion, and grandchildren Kasey Rankin of London, England, and Jake Rankin
of Marion. He is also survived by dear friends Randy and Debbie Goins.
Mr. Rankin was born March 7, 1927 in Fords Ferry, Kentucky on the Ohio River. After a
childhood filled with Huck Finn adventures, he went to work at age 16 on a river boat that
pushed barges as far south as New Orleans and north to Cincinnati. He continued to work on
the boats, first as a galley boy and then as the captain’s clerk, during summer and Christmas
breaks from school and college.
Mr. Rankin joined the Navy upon early graduation from high school and served in the Marshall
Islands during World War II. At war’s end, he went back to the river boats before enrolling at the
University of Kentucky, where he met Lois Jackson. They married when he graduated in 1951.
They settled in Marion in 1960. Mr. Rankin became active in the community and, among his
many contributions, he served as president of the Civitan Club, chairman of the Marion Hospital
Board, and a key fundraiser in building the former McDowell Hospital. Rankin Drive, the road
leading to the hospital, is named in his honor.
Mr. Rankin was also active in recruiting doctors to McDowell County and was a developer of the
medical park adjacent to the hospital. He was a member of the Hospice of McDowell County
Board, and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Marion, where he served on planning and
finance committees, among others.
Mr. Rankin started his business, Marion Credit Company, in 1973. His son Jed and grandson
Jake continue to operate the business.
A public graveside service for Mr. Rankin will be Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at McDowell
Memorial Park, with the Rev. Dr. Scott Hagaman presiding. Beam Funeral Service and
Crematory is assisting the family.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 99 North Main St., Marion, N.C. 28752; or
Hospice of McDowell County, 575 Airport Road, Marion, N.C. 28752.
The family would like to thank staff members at Care Partners Solace Center in Asheville for
their care of our father and grandfather.
To plant memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edwin Rankin, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
A candle was lit in memory of Edwin Rankin
Gail Bailey Sep 20 2020 12:00 AM
Jed & Family,
Ed was always a good support to and nice to me in church, in banking, and in business, so I liked him.
It is hard to lose a liked/loved family member, but, at least, Ed had a positive and productive life.
I hope, in spite of the situation, you can have a GOOD evening and that your feelings of loss will slowly mend. Personally, I know God can help with that.
Rick Ferguson
Rick Ferguson Sep 18 2020 12:00 AM
A candle was lit in memory of Edwin Rankin
SEDEANA Laughter Sep 17 2020 12:00 AM
A candle was lit in memory of Edwin Rankin
Carolyn Childers,Pigeon Forge,TN. Sep 16 2020 12:00 AM
For a very dear family and long-time clients, I am lifting up prayers for you. I spent many hours laughing with Mr. Rankin and thought of him as a wonderful friend.
Beth Burleson, CPA
Beth Burleson Sep 16 2020 12:00 AM
Marjo and Jed: Very sorry to see your Dad's notice in the paper this morning. He impacted daily life in McDowell county over his lifetime life few others. I am delighted that you had him so long and am hopeful that he had good health to participate in your adult lives. Please know that he was well respected in our region as a pragmatic, long term thinker who served his community quietly yet forcefully. All my best to you both. Go Titans! Matthew Burril
Matthew Burril Sep 16 2020 12:00 AM
A candle was lit in memory of Edwin Rankin
Lois and Kermit Buchanan Sep 16 2020 12:00 AM
Jed, Jamie and family; so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was a good friend over the years. I always respected his opinions in business matters and always received good advise. He will be missed by McDowell County.
Barbara Ledford Sep 16 2020 12:00 AM
Jed Jaime Marjo Susan ...I grieve with you. Ed was such a riot to party with!! Pray you find comfort in knowing he was a self made success in McDowell county. Many will miss his leadership and humor. Lifting you all in prayer
Jimmy & Theresa Jackson Sep 16 2020 12:00 AM
McDowell has lost a great, irreplaceable man. He was my champion in the Radiology Department at The McDowell Hospital. Without his help I would not have gotten Computed Tomography, Ultrasound, or Mammography services. Great services for McDowell County.We have lost a great humanitarian for this community and I have lost a treasured advocate and friend. Luther Barnhardt, Jr. MD. FACR Emeritus
Luther Barnhardt Jr. MD Sep 15 2020 12:00 AM