Ralph Edward Rankin

Ralph E. Rankin, 81, of Washington, WV went Home on August 20, 2022 with his family by his side. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalms 73:26). He was so special to his family and friends. He was a very giving and caring man who had a deep faith in God and a smile that warmed your heart. He was bright with a quick wit and a sense of humor like none other. He enjoyed life's simple pleasures including a good cup of coffee, a freshly mowed lawn, and sitting on his front porch visiting with neighbors, friends, and family. Born in his grandparent's home to the late Winfred and Hilda Rankin, he grew up on the family's dairy farm in Kenna and was a 1959 graduate of Ripley High. He married his beautiful bride, Laura, on June 23, 1962. They raised their family in Washington, WV where he was employed by Borg-Warner/G.E. Plastics. He loved his job in research at the plant which afforded him the opportunity to travel and assist with setting up new facilities. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laura Kerns Rankin; son, Ralph 'Edward' Rankin; and sister Betty Jo Winter. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Scott Clarkson; granddaughters Whitney (Brad) Snyder and Lauren (Nathan) Withers; great-granddaughter Riley Snyder; special companion Mae Cummings and family; sister-in-law Ann (Creed) Pursley; brothers-in-law James, Donnie, and William (Judy) Kerns; numerous nieces and nephews; special niece Cookie Milam; and many dear friends including Sonny and Kathy Morehead and Red and Joyce Casto. Visitation will be at 2:00 pm and the Funeral Service at 3:00 pm Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with John Gunther officiating. Interment will follow in the Jackson Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family is sincerely thankful to the Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department and Camden Clark ambulance crew, ER, and 5 North for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ralph's memory to the Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department.