Rankin, Howard Wilson

Howard Wilson Rankin, 87, of Blacksburg and formerly of Danville, died on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at his home at Warm Hearth. He was born on September 17, 1923, in Mt. Sidney to the late Walter J. Rankin and Catherine Sadie Bunch Rankin. Mr. Rankin grew up on a farm and always enjoyed the outdoors. He was a veteran of World War II serving from 1943 to 1946, both in Europe, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was part of the first wave of American troops crossing the Rhine, and stationed later in Japan. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Rankin was employed for 35 years at C&P Telephone Company. In addition to his job, he was an accomplished handy man, furniture restorer and gardener. He was a proud husband and father. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, H. Wilson Rankin Jr. and Elizabeth Altieri, of Radford, and Robert W. and Janet Rankin, of Blacksburg; two daughters and son-in-law, June and Mac McGee, of Forest, and Teresa Rankin, of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren, Rebecca Rankin, Allison McGee, Brett McGee, Lena Rankin, and Jackson Rankin; one sister, Evelyn Louise (Rankin) Kirby, of Mt. Sidney; one brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Barbara Rankin, of Springfield, Va.; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Nora Lee Lightner; one brother, Carl Rankin; and two sisters, Charlotte Houff and Mary Catherine Cline. The family would like to thank Loretta Martin and Sally Stepp, certified nursing assistants, for their care of our father. Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at Green Hill Cemetery, Churchville, Va., with the Rev. Reed Hopkins of Loch Willow Presbyterian officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 25, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1618 Hawthorne Ridge Road. Condolences may be addressed to 1618 Hawthorne Ridge Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or sent to the family online at www.mccoyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a local hospice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.