Frank Earle Rankin Jr.

Frank Earle Rankin, Jr. passed away on January 16th at his home in Maryville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank E. Rankin, Sr. and Barbara Moore Rankin. He is survived by his loving wife, Jewel; daughter Kimberley, son-in-law David Keys and grandson William Keys of Alameda, CA.; Son Kenneth, daughter-in-law Amanda and grandsons, Spencer and Jackson of Seattle, WA.; brother David and sister-in-law, Ann of Sevierville, TN; step-son Andrew Sonner, daughter-in-law Melissa and grandchildren, Elizabeth and Alex of Maryville, TN. Frank was born in Knoxville, TN and lived there until 1951 when his family moved to Gainesville, FL. He attended college at Southwestern Presbyterian College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, TN. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. In Knoxville, he worked for Valley Fidelity Bank, Courts and Co. and was transferred to Tampa, FL in 1970 where he became a Certified Public Accountant. After a career of approximately 25 years, he moved back to Tennessee. He and Jewel were married in 1989 and moved to White Pine, TN to live on land that was a corner of the “Old Rankin” home place. Time was spent growing azaleas and repairing old tractors. After 25 years, it was time to downsize, so a move was made to Maryville to be closer to family. Frank volunteered at Knox Area Rescue Mission and Recovery Maryville program of First United Methodist Church until he was no longer physically able. Frank’s late passion in life was teaching Sunday school for the Bible Study Buddies Class. Many hours were spent in preparation which gave him peace and comfort. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Second Harvest Food Bank at 136 Harvest Ln. Mryville, TN 37801, or Knox Area Rescue Mission at 418 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917 A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, January 25th at the E. Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in the Chapel. The address is 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN Following the graveside service a celebration of Life, conducted by Reverend Catherine Nance, will be held at First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville TN on Friday, January 25th at 2:00 PM . The family will receive friends in Wesley Fellowship Hall after the memorial service. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Frank Earle Rankin Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.