R. Frank Rankin, Ii

R. FRANK RANKIN, II STAUNTON, VA R. Frank Rankin, II, 90, husband of Phyllis (Blackwell) Rankin, formerly of 494 Mountain View Drive, died Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Envoy of Staunton. He was born August 8, 1924, in Charlotte, NC, the son of the late Graham Franklin and Margaret Dunn Rankin. Frank lived in Mt. Holly and Greenville, NC. After graduation from Greenville High School he entered the U. S. Army Air Corp having served during World War II with the 5th Army Air Corp. He became a gunner with the 675th Bombardment Squadron where he flew just over treetops. He participated in 15 missions and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded four Bronze Service Stars for areas and campaigns in Bismarck, Archipelago, New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon. After receiving his diploma in Accounting from Smithdeal Massey Business College in 1948, he moved to Staunton to accept a teaching position in Accounting and Business Law at Dunsmore Business College. Frank was associated with his very good friend, Cecil T. Richardson of Staunton for 18 years, then opened his own accounting practice from which he retired in 1992. He was an active member of St. John's United Methodist Church since 1956, the year the church was built. Frank served St. John's as a Church Treasurer, usher, and in many other capacities. Throughout his lifetime, Frank enjoyed his time quail hunting, fishing, and as a Boy Scout Leader. In his later years, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson with his friends in the RETREADS Motorcycle Club and especially with his late son, Richard. In addition to his wife, family members include two daughters and sons-in-law, Jane and Lloyd Smith of Waynesboro and Julie and Donald S. Reid, II of Staunton; six grandchildren, Aaron Coffey of Louisville, KY, David Graham Rankin of Temecula, CA, Tyler Smith of Waynesboro, Jamie Rankin of Colorado Springs, CO, Sela Reid and Adra Reid, both of Staunton.; a great grandchild, Scout Coffey of Louisville, KY; and two cousins, Pat Evans of Greenville, NC and Paula Stanton of Waterloo, SC. He was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Franklin Rankin, III and Richard Allen Rankin. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 in St. John's United Methodist Church by the Rev. Taylor C. Mertins. Burial will be private in Thornrose Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be the United Methodist Men of St. John's. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 in the Henry Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 1716 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401, Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad, 1601 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401, or the American Cancer Society, 1445 E. Rio Road, Suite 104, Charlottesville, VA 22901. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Envoy 2 West and Hospice of the Shenandoah, for their loving care and to the many friends who visited during his time at Envoy.