Roderick “Rod” Rankin, 59, from Morganton, North Carolina entered into eternal rest Sunday, March 21, 2021, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was born to Mildred Avery Rankin and Howard Wilson Rankin on July 7, 1961.
Roderick grew up surrounded by his siblings and wonderful cousins who were his first friends. He graduated from Freedom High School and attended North Carolina A&T.
Roderick began his lifetime career working for the State at Broughton Hospital in 1982. He continued his career at the North Carolina Department of Corrections beginning at the Western Youth Institution. He was promoted from Correction Officer to Sergeant in 1994 and transferred to Foothills Correctional Institute. He was well thought of by his colleagues and mentored many young men throughout his career. He retired in 2003 after incurring a back injury.
Everyone who knew Rod, knew he loved his family, his loving wife and devoted son. He also loved sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers (football), Atlanta Braves (baseball), and Los Angeles Clippers (basketball). He had a love for music that just reached into his soul and touched yours. You would hear his beautiful baritone voice just start singing either one of his favorite quartet groups or his 60’s and 70’s Classic R&B.
Rod is survived by his adoring wife, Minister Elizabeth “Lisa” Rankin, devoted son, Donovan Rankin, loving mother Mildred Rankin and his sister Rita Rankin. Rod blessed and nurtured as his own Kimberly Corpening, Jamesha Corpening, Octavia Hill, Jamaal Ferguson, Donzale Hood, Brandee Diaz (Angel Diaz), Gina Martinez, Ravin Stamper-Martinez and Joshua Stamper-Martinez. Rod leaves to cherish his nieces Gretchen Wallace, Allyson Wallace and Ileah Wallace, who he was a devoted and beloved uncle. Rod leaves to mourn his passing his loving cousins, godchildren, church family and friends. He blessed everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 02, 2021 7-8:30 p.m. at Kirksey Funeral Home
A private funeral service will be held.
Services for Roderick Alan Rankin will be live streamed on Kirksey Funeral Home and Cremation Service Facebook page.
The Rankin family has entrusted to Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18