Dr. Pressley Robinson Rankin Jr.

Pressley Robinson Rankin, Jr., MD, of Ellerbe , NC , died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 9, 2010. Born on December 7, 1920, in Mt. Gilead , NC , he is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Pressley Robinson Rankin, Sr.; a sister, Catherine Rankin Scarborough; a son, James Michael Rankin; and a granddaughter, Kristen Lee Rankin. Dr. Rankin attended Darlington School in Rome , GA , and graduated from Mt. Gilead High School in 1937. He earned his BS degree at Davidson College in 1942, and entered the U.S. Army, assigned to the 532nd Ordinance Company, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland . He later transferred to and completed Army Specialized Training Program, physician’s medical training. In 1947, he graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine with his MD degree, interning at Watts Hospital , Durham , NC . Dr. Rankin began practicing medicine with his father in Mt. Gilead in 1949. He then entered the US Air Force in 1950, graduating at USAF School of Aviation Medicine in San Antonio , TX , in 1951. He commanded as Captain of the 4th Forward Medical Evacuation Flight as a flight surgeon from 1951-54 in Europe and North Africa . He was discharged from the USAF Reserve in 1972. In 1957, Dr. Rankin moved his medical practice to Ellerbe , NC , and practiced there until his retirement in 2001. He was on the medical staff of Montgomery Memorial Hospital , Richmond Memorial Hospital , and Moore Regional Hospital . Serving as a long-time physician in the community of Ellerbe, Dr. Rankin sought to help families with their medical problems. Unlike present day practices, he practiced medicine during a time when he made house calls on a daily basis to Montgomery , Moore , and Richmond counties; delivered babies; set broken bones and sutured wounds in his office; diagnosed all types of illnesses; and became a family friend to his patients. Professionally, he served as a medical examiner in Richmond County , 1970 -2000, and was a Board member of the Richmond County Health Department, 1973-1995. He was a charter member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and was a 50-year member of the NC Medical Society. Dr. Rankin also served many organizations during his lifetime. He was a Director of the following: United Mills, Mt. Gilead, from 1949-1956; Mt. Gilead Building and Loan; Mt. Gilead Brick Co.; Bank of Mt. Gilead, United Carolina Bank, and subsequently Southern National Bank for 42 years;the Town Creek Indian Mound, 1980 - 2000; Land Trust Control of Central NC, 1995-1999; NC Forestry Association, 1989-90. He was appointed by Governor Hunt to the NC Archaeological Advisory Committee from 1979-83; appointed to the Governor’s Waste Management Board, 1990. He was a member of the Richmond County Historical Society, serving a 2-year term as president, 1984-86; the Richmond County Scottish Heritage Society; and a thirty-third degree mason in the Blackmer Lodge, No. 127, Mt. Gilead . In 1983, Dr. Rankin was named N.C. Tree Farmer of the Year. He also received the Richmond County Citizen of the Year Award in 1987, and was a 2006 recipient of an Honor Award from the Smithsonian Museum of American Indians. Following a life-long passion for collecting artifacts and enjoying research in the fields of history, archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology, he established a unique legacy in the community of Ellerbe with the founding of The Rankin Museum of American Heritage in 1984. Since then, he has continuously served as a member of the Board of Directors, participating actively on the Board as well as in the daily affairs of the Museum. Surviving family members include a son, Pressley Robinson Rankin, III (Elaine) of Charlotte , NC ; a daughter Rebecca Rankin Camden (Randy) of Richmond , VA ; a daughter Susan Rankin Reynolds (Ralph) of Littleton , NC . and a daughter-in-law, Amy Hunsucker Rankin Kesler (Mike) of Ellerbe , NC . His four surviving grandchildren are: Pressley Robinson Rankin, IV of San Diego, CA; Katherine Rankin Condell (David) of Hilton Head, SC; Christopher Reynolds (Louella) of Wilmington , NC; and Matthew Camden (Lauren) of Christiansburg, VA. Dr. Rankin’s great-grandchildren are: Kristen Camden, James Reynolds, and Benjamin Reynolds. The family wishes to thank a special friend, Albert Lee, Richmond County Hospice, his caregivers, and other friends who surrounded Dr. Rankin with care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Rankin Museum of American Heritage, PO Box 499 , Ellerbe , NC 28338 . The family will receive friends Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 4:30 – 7:30, at The Rankin Museum of American Heritage, Ellerbe , NC . A private, family interment service will be held.