James Richard (Dick) Rankin Sr.

Reared in Greensboro, NC he earned his Eagle Scout badge. After serving in the Navy he graduated from NCSU Forestry School and later in 1958 founded Rankin Timber Company. Lifetime member of New Bern Golf and Country Club and Eastern Carolina Yacht Club, he was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved his fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Effie Rankin and his grandson Jeremiah Justin Hatley.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 62 years, Ernestine Warren Rankin, daughter Susan Rankin Daniels and husband Steve, son James Richard Rankin, Jr., daughter Martha Rankin Morris, four granddaughters Megan Moffitt Askew and husband Dale, Lindsey Daniels Ennis and husband Matt, Stacy Ryan Rankin, and Ashley Marie Morris. He also had three great-grandchildren Emily Rose Hatley, Lauren Marie Ennis and Jace Bartley Askew.

Having touched so many lives of his family, extended family, business associates and friends, “Dick” Rankin will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in New Bern on Wednesday, July 23 at 11:00 with graveside services following at Greenleaf Cemetery. Family will receive friends after the service at the home.