Richard E. Rankin ’42

Dr. Richard E. Rankin ’42, formerly of Mt. Holly, died July 5, 2007, in Cramerton, N.C. During World War II, he served as a laboratory technician in the Army Medical Corps, attached to the U.S. Air Force. After his first military service, he attended the two-year medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, and received his M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1950. He completed his internship at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii, serving during the Korean War. In 1951 he returned to Mt. Holly to establish his family practice, which he continued until his retirement in 1998. The Rankin Clinic was a close-knit group, and he was always grateful to God for the staff that served so long and faithfully: Ellen Featherstone, laboratory technician, for the entire 48 years; Gladys Reece, secretary/receptionist, for 38 years; and Joan Featherstone, nurse, for the last five years. He was a devoted member, deacon, and elder of First Presbyterian, Mt. Holly. He was chairman of the Mt. Holly and Gaston Day School boards, president of the Gaston County Medical Society, and member of the Gaston County Library, Public Health Department, and BB&T, Mt. Holly branch, boards. He was a great admirer and supporter of the Mt. Holly Life Saving Crew. In 1992, he was honored as Mt. Holly Man of the Year. Survivors include his wife Julia P. Rankin, 500 Cramer Mountain Rd., Rm. D5 Cramerton, N.C. 28032-1663; daughter Rev. Kitty Rankin of Dadeville, Ala.; son Dr. Richard Rankin, Jr. and wife Sarah Park of Gastonia, N.C.; and son-in-law John Civils and wife Debbie of Birmingham, Ala. His daughter, Julie Rankin Civils, preceded him in death. His sisters Mary Delia R. Jarman and Jean R. Roberts survive him. His brother Frank B. Rankin and sister Kitty R. Watson preceded him in death. His grandchildren are Stewart Civils, Isaac Rankin, and step-grandchildren are Louisa and Emily Sloan, Katherine Civils, and Khoury and Angel Wood. He also had a number of nieces and nephews, to whom he was devoted.