James E. Rankin, 81 of Arab passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at his residence. James was born July 29, 1942, in Columbia, Mississippi, the son of John Dale Rankin and Mildred Thornhill Rankin. He began working for Irby Construction in Mississippi and this is what brought him to Arab in 1962. Shortly after he met the love of his life Sandra Burgess, and they married November 7, 1963. In 1972 they purchased the Fry Gap Grocery. When he finally decided to purchase a backhoe, they sold the store and developed Rankin Septic Service.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Sandra Rankin; daughter: Beverly F. Rankin; son: Randy Rankin, his wife Kym; grandchildren: Shelby Rankin, Karly Rankin and Zackary Blocker; great grandchilden: Kolton Elijah Rankin and Adalyn Rae Miller; special friend: Missy Lake; brother: Howard Earl Thornhill; sisters-in-law: Patricia Russell and Betty Trimble; host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Gober Funeral Chapel with Steve Funderburk and Jimmy Hamaker officiating. The burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery, Gober Funeral Chapel directing. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Gober Funeral Chapel.
Pallbearers: Lance Coker, Cory Solley, Triston Nanato, Prentice Blocker, Robert Nanato and Doug Manus. Honorary pallbearers: Oliver Haga, Lane Rains, Brent Rains, Robert King, Bernie Rodriguez and Daniel Rankin.
