Dolph Young Rankin

Mr. Dolph Young Rankin, 84, of East Main St. Ellerbe, died Thursday, March 27, 2008 at his home. Mr. Rankin was born May 17, 1923 in Derby, NC, a son of the late Robert Moore and Frankie Thompson Rankin. He had served his country in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a graduate of Ellerbe High School, Class of 1941,and a retired Volunteer fireman with the Ellerbe Fire Department with over 40 years of service. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Ellerbe and a retired electrical contractor. His wife of 65 years, Mary Jane Nelson Rankin preceded him in death on March 13, 2007, as well as his brothers and sisters, Robert Hugh Rankin, Marjorie Rankin McInnis, Ellen Rankin Nelson, Edna Rankin Robbins,and Olive Rankin Snyder. Surviving are his son, Kenneth Young Rankin and wife Lois of Ellerbe, his daughter, Susan Rankin Eaves and husband Michael of Fuquay Varina, his grandchildren Edward Alan O’Neal of Clinton, NC, Nathanial Dolph Rankin of Ellerbe, Meredith Rankin-McInnis and husband Richard of Rockingham, and great granddaughter, Katelyn Susannah O’Neal of Clinton. Also surviving are his sister, Jacqueline Elam of Mint Hill, his brothers, George Rankin of Rockingham and Mac Rankin of Montgomery, Al., and many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday from First United Methodist Church Ellerbe with Rev. Donald Daniel and Rev. Lesly Holt officiating. Interment will follow in Ellerbe Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will see friends from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday at Carter Funeral Home in Ellerbe and at other times at the home on East Main Street. The family wishes to extend their thanks to his caregivers, and the Richmond County Hospice Staff for their care, compassion and love. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, P.O.Box 340, Ellerbe, NC 28338 or to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. US Hwy 1 North, Rockingham, NC 28379.