1921
Ben
2015
Ben F. Rankin
June 20, 1921 — February 27, 2015
Ben Felix Rankin
Clemson
Ben Felix Rankin, 93, died peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Anderson Medical Center surrounded by his six children.
Ben was born on June 20, 1921 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to Felix Edward and Zula Dunn Rankin. Ben was a native of Shuffletown, NC and graduated from North Carolina State University where he also completed graduate studies. During his time at N.C. State, he served in World War II from 1943-1945 in the Third Infantry Division of the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant serving in North Africa and Europe. After an honorable discharge, he completed a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from N.C. State in 1949.
For 33 years, Ben worked as a textile engineer at Saco Lowell Company in Sanford, North Carolina and Easley, South Carolina. He also was an instructor and mentor for the Clemson University Textile Engineering School and retired from the University in 1990. Upon retirement, one of his greatest adventures was traveling cross country in his truck with his youngest son visiting all of the continental United States. He was an active member of Clemson United Methodist Church for 54 years. Other organizations of affiliation include the 15th District Past Masters Club of the Masons, AF and AM Lodge 150, Sanford NC, Clemson Kiwanis Club, Men's Coffee Group of Clemson, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Saco Lowell retirees group and Clemson United Methodist Church Singles Group.
Ben is survived by his six children; Ann Rankin Binnarr (Mitch) of Florence, S.C., Eloise Rankin McCarty (Rod) of Elberton, G.A., William Edward Rankin (Becky) of Flower Mound, T.X., Laura Rankin Foster (Anthony) of Rock Hill, S.C., Ben Felix Rankin, Jr. (Annette) of Sanford, N.C. and John Blair Rankin (Kristina) or Liberty, S.C.,; ten grandchildren, Nan B. Carter (Clint), Nat McCarty (Megan), Rankin McCarty, Maggie McCarty, Katherine Rankin, Allee Foster, Rutledge Foster, Agusta Rankin, Savanna Rankin and Hannah Rankin; and one great grandchild, Caldwell "Wells" Carter. He is also survived by sisters Joyce Rankin Cox (Jimmy) and Martha Lowery and a brother Tom Rankin (Judy). He is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Zula Rankin; infant brother, James Caldwell Rankin and infant sister, Bonnie Faye Rankin; brothers John Mack Rankin, Kirksey Dunn Rankin, Justin Roy Rankin; and his wife Margaret White Rankin.
Ben was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and his greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family. Other hobbies he enjoyed were hiking and camping in the mountains of Pickens County, spending time at his cabin in Pumpkintown, SC and tending a bountiful garden for many years at the family homeplace on Cherry Road. Ben left an impression on everyone he met and is a true example of perseverance, devotion and faith. He will truly be missed by all of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Clemson United Methodist Church or Clemson Meals on Wheels.
The family will have a private burial at 1:00 PM in Mt. Zion Cemetery on Monday, March 2, 2015.
Please join the family for a memorial service at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Clemson United Methodist Church, with a reception following the service at the church.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central which is assisting the family.
Clemson
Ben Felix Rankin, 93, died peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015 at Anderson Medical Center surrounded by his six children.
Ben was born on June 20, 1921 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to Felix Edward and Zula Dunn Rankin. Ben was a native of Shuffletown, NC and graduated from North Carolina State University where he also completed graduate studies. During his time at N.C. State, he served in World War II from 1943-1945 in the Third Infantry Division of the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant serving in North Africa and Europe. After an honorable discharge, he completed a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from N.C. State in 1949.
For 33 years, Ben worked as a textile engineer at Saco Lowell Company in Sanford, North Carolina and Easley, South Carolina. He also was an instructor and mentor for the Clemson University Textile Engineering School and retired from the University in 1990. Upon retirement, one of his greatest adventures was traveling cross country in his truck with his youngest son visiting all of the continental United States. He was an active member of Clemson United Methodist Church for 54 years. Other organizations of affiliation include the 15th District Past Masters Club of the Masons, AF and AM Lodge 150, Sanford NC, Clemson Kiwanis Club, Men's Coffee Group of Clemson, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Saco Lowell retirees group and Clemson United Methodist Church Singles Group.
Ben is survived by his six children; Ann Rankin Binnarr (Mitch) of Florence, S.C., Eloise Rankin McCarty (Rod) of Elberton, G.A., William Edward Rankin (Becky) of Flower Mound, T.X., Laura Rankin Foster (Anthony) of Rock Hill, S.C., Ben Felix Rankin, Jr. (Annette) of Sanford, N.C. and John Blair Rankin (Kristina) or Liberty, S.C.,; ten grandchildren, Nan B. Carter (Clint), Nat McCarty (Megan), Rankin McCarty, Maggie McCarty, Katherine Rankin, Allee Foster, Rutledge Foster, Agusta Rankin, Savanna Rankin and Hannah Rankin; and one great grandchild, Caldwell "Wells" Carter. He is also survived by sisters Joyce Rankin Cox (Jimmy) and Martha Lowery and a brother Tom Rankin (Judy). He is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Zula Rankin; infant brother, James Caldwell Rankin and infant sister, Bonnie Faye Rankin; brothers John Mack Rankin, Kirksey Dunn Rankin, Justin Roy Rankin; and his wife Margaret White Rankin.
Ben was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and his greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family. Other hobbies he enjoyed were hiking and camping in the mountains of Pickens County, spending time at his cabin in Pumpkintown, SC and tending a bountiful garden for many years at the family homeplace on Cherry Road. Ben left an impression on everyone he met and is a true example of perseverance, devotion and faith. He will truly be missed by all of his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Clemson United Methodist Church or Clemson Meals on Wheels.
The family will have a private burial at 1:00 PM in Mt. Zion Cemetery on Monday, March 2, 2015.
Please join the family for a memorial service at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2015 at Clemson United Methodist Church, with a reception following the service at the church.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central which is assisting the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ben F. Rankin, please visit our flower store.
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