Richard Irwin Rankin

Richard Irwin Rankin, age 79 of Coosawhatchie, SC and beloved husband of Elaine Tuten Rankin, who preceded him in death, passed away on May 14, 2019 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

Richard was born in Commack, Long Island, NY to the late Leslie Rankin and Mildred Monks Rankin.  In 1955, Richard and family moved to Jasper County from Long Island to operate Ridgeleigh Dairy.  After closing the dairy, Richard spent several years commuting as a long haul truck driver and decided that he would establish his own business as Rankin Truck Brokers.  His business flourished when his family joined him and they all became residents of Coosawhatchie.

Richard’s passion, other than truck driving, was the Coosawhatchie Fire Department where he was a Charter Member.  He traveled to New York to purchase a LaFrance Fire Truck beginning fire services in Coosawhatchie.  When Jasper County gained control of the Coosawhatchie Fire Department, the New York Fire Department reclaimed the LaFrance which has been restored and is displayed in New York City.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, parents his brother, Leslie C. Rankin Jr. and sister, Linda Timmons. He is survived by his sons, John D. Rankin and Richard M. Rankin (Brenda) all of Coosawhatchie; his brother, John L. Rankin of Coosawhatchie; his sister, Ellen Bartholomew (Joe) of Mansfield, PA; grandchildren, Ricky (Jami) Rankin and Casey Smith (Danny) and great grandchildren, Evan Rankin and Finley Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Sauls Funeral Home, 310 W. Adams St., Ridgeland, SC  with burial to follow in Stafford Cemetery, Furman, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations, in memory of Richard, to the Coosawhatchie Baptist Church, 3853 Morgandollar Road, Coosawhatchie, SC  29912.

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