Odas Dalton Rankin

Odas D. Rankin -
Easley, SC

Mr. Odas Dalton Rankin, 93, husband of the late Eudora Nalley Rankin, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at Richard Campbell Veteran Center in Anderson, SC. Born on June 16, 1918 in Pickens County, SC, Mr. Rankin was a son of the late Elem and Sallie Smith Rankin.

Mr. Rankin was a life-long entrepreneur and businessman. He worked in his father�??s grocery store in Easley, SC, from the age of eleven, and worked at Glenwood Mills in his early career, where he enjoyed participating on the Textile League baseball team. He was a veteran of World War Two, enlisting in the US Army in 1940, and served for more than five years. He participated in the initial invasion at Normandy, France, in 1944, and received two Bronze Stars.

After returning from the war, he worked with several retail clothing companies before founding Rankin�??s Men and Boys�?? Shop in Belton, SC, in 1963, which he owned and operated successfully for 22 years. While in Belton, he was a devoted member of Latimer Memorial United Methodist Church, served on the Board of Trustees, including four years as Chairman. He also enjoyed singing in the choir and serving as church secretary. He was a member of the Belton Lion�??s Club and was acknowledged for having 20 years perfect attendance. Mr. Rankin was elected president of the Belton - Honea Path High School Booster Club and enjoyed supporting the Bears. He served four terms on the Belton City Council, including one term as Mayor Pro Tem.

At the age of 67, Mr. Rankin sold his business in Belton and moved with his wife, Eudora, back to Easley, SC. In Easley, he was a devoted member of Fairview United Methodist Church, where he was active in church administration and sang in the choir. He also worked part-time at Robinson�??s Department Store in Easley until the age of 85.

Surviving are a beloved daughter, Sallie Rankin Lee and son-in-law, Furman G. "Jay" Lee, Jr., of Milwaukee, WI. Also surviving are his three precious grandchildren, Ashton Caroline Lee, Corbin Rankin Lee and Katherine Elizabeth Lee, who were the joys of his life.

Mr. Rankin was predeceased by his parents and his devoted wife of 50 years, Eudora. He was also predeceased by a daughter, Ginger Rankin Meetze and granddaughter Michelle. Mr. Rankin was the last surviving child of Elem and Sallie Rankin, having been predeceased by 3 brothers Mick, Jesse and Clyde Rankin and 6 sisters, Pauline Moore, Sara Waldrop, Guynell Bramlett, Maude Nicholson, Mattie League and Ressie Stewart.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm on Friday, September 16, 2011 at Fairview United Methodist Church, 200 East Church Road, Easley, SC, conducted by the Reverends Dan Mason, Andy Bullions and Edward Mainous. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday from 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers for Mr. Rankin will be Furman G. Lee, Jr., Corbin Rankin Lee, William Duke Lee, Treva Cleveland Lee, Syd Wilson and Dr. Joe Coleman.

The family is at the Nalley home, 118 East Church Road, Easley, SC 29642. They will gather there at 11:00 am Friday to enjoy a meal provided by their loyal friends from Latimer Memorial United Methodist Church and Fairview United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Fairview United Methodist Church, 200 East Church Road, Easley, SC 29642.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home �?" Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.