OBITUARY
Roderick Alan Rankin
July 7, 1961 – March 21, 2021
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
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
-
Receiving of Family and Friends
Friday, April 2, 2021
OTHER SERVICES:
Interment
Memories
Roderick Alan Rankin
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAugusta Wallace
April 3, 2021
I just want to give my condolences to his family. I remember Sundays when he would attend services at St. Luke. God bless you all who is left to mourn him. So sorry.
Meta Fletcher
April 3, 2021
Sending prayers of comfort, care and strength to Minister Lisa Rankin, Aunt Mildred Rankin, Rita Rankin and their families. Rod was my cousin and a great friend. We will miss you. Rest well.
Annette Houston
April 3, 2021
To my sister in Christ Debroah Rankin,Donovan Rankin, brothers , sisters, aunts, uncles, Ron mother Mrs. Rankin and his sister I sent my condolences to the family. My God keep you all put you under the Shadow of his wings, protect you all. Surround you with love. To give you the peace in your heart. You all we be in my thoughts and prayers. Where as when I saw my sister in Christ Debroah Rankin I would see Ron right there beside her. In the church of our Lord and Saviors Jesus Christ. Keep looking up family no matter what.
Annette Houston
April 3, 2021
Greater Holy Temple like to sent Debroah Rankin, Donovan Rankin , is mother , his brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins our deepest Sympathy. Praying that God will surround you by love and faith. We are praying for you.
Susan Ottley Preddie
April 1, 2021
I didn’t know you very well Rod. However, I did know you were a beautiful person through the eyes of my Sister Lisa. Thank you for bringing joy and peace into her world. Thank you for putting the biggest smile on her face. You are in Heaven now, watching over her and all of your other family members. Rest In Peace!
SHIRLEY KINCAID
April 1, 2021
May God bless the family and bring peace to all. With love. Shirley Kincaid and family.
Ava Ottley
March 31, 2021
Rest in sleep. Thank you for bringing my twin sister such joy. Thank you for making my sister Elizabeth Rankin the happiest she has ever been. Elizabeth we will make it thru this together.
Carvenia (Venia) Corpening
March 31, 2021
To Donovon, Rita, and Mrs Mildred I send my deepest most heartfelt condolences. May God continue to bless and provide you all with comfort and peace during this time. Rod held a very special place in all our hearts and he will truly be missed. Love Always❤
Mrs. Staton
March 31, 2021
I am at a loss of words at the passing of my Dear Friend's Beloved Rod. May He Rest in Peace and Rejoice with the Angels. On Behalf of My Husband and I, we send our Heart-Felt Condolences. Much Love to the Family.
Tina Nelson
March 31, 2021
My sincere apologies for the misspelling of your loved one's name.
PEACEFUL JOURNEY
RODERICK A. RANKIN
Tina Nelson
March 31, 2021
I've known Minister Elizabeth for 20yrs. We met at work, and became close friends and sisters in Christ. I was so happy for her that she found love and happiness in Rod. And so I express my deepest Condolences to his wife Elizabeth, family and friends who will miss him dearly. May God's enduring love surround the family at this time.
Peaceful Journey Rodney Rankin.
Richard Bryant
March 31, 2021
I didn't know Roderick very well but I was blessed to be the photographer at his and Minister Elizabeth's wedding and I knew that he loved her very very much. The way that they looked into each others eyes, you could just tell. My heart goes out to both their families. R.I.P. brother....
Hood Timothy
March 31, 2021
Man! What a great loss! I love you bro n law! Singing in the Heavenly choir. Rest son, from your labor 🥲
Kimberly Corpening
March 30, 2021
Rod, you were a very special person to me. Its hard to imagine me writing on your memorial page. This hurts me beyond measure. Rest in eternity . Sleep in peace. I love you. Love ❤️ your stepdaughter. May your family find peace.. Fly high.
Catherine Rankin
March 30, 2021
What can I say about the kindness, and sweetest ex- husband on the planet.You will be missed, but never forgotten. To the family: I am so sorry 😞 . You have my heartfelt ♥ and deepest sympathies during this most difficult time.