Bill Rankin was born May 16, 1938 in Chester County, TN the son of the late Charles D. and Helen Smith Rankin. Bill’s early childhood was also strongly influenced by his aunt, Kathrine Rankin.
He was united in marriage to Brenda J. Huckabee on October 24, 1964. Brenda preceded him in death on August 12, 2016 following 51 years of marriage.
Bill was a Chester County High School graduate. He was very active in the communities where he lived, having served as Past President of the Parma, Missouri Lions Club and Vice-President of the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce. He was a Mason and Shriner, and was appointed a Kentucky Colonel by a former Governor of Kentucky. Bill served his country honorably in the United States Air Force as an Inventory Management Specialist. He was a former manager for Brown Shoe Company in Selmer and retired as Regional Sales Manager for United Shoe Machinery Corporation. Bill was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Selmer.
Bill departed this life on May 20, 2017 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 79 Years, 4 Days. He is survived by two sons, John Rankin and wife Regina and Jason Rankin and wife Martha, all of Selmer; five grandchildren: Charlie Rankin, Clay Rankin, Jared Rankin, Caleb Rankin, Westin Rankin; a first cousin, Brenda Rankin Moore, who was more like a sister to Bill; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by twin grandsons, Matt and Luke Rankin.
Memorial contributions in memory of Bill may be made to First Baptist Church of Selmer, American Cancer Society, or Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
