Tributes

MSgt. William Burton Rankin September 22, 1912 - March 24, 2012 William Burton Rankin left this world to be with his family in Heaven after living 99 years. He grew up in Sour Lake, a small lumber town in the Piney Woods of East Texas Home of Texaco's 1st Oil Well - Spindle Top. As a young man, he experienced the Great Depression first-hand leaving home to join the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's the most popular of the New Deal programs, in order to provide additional income for his mother and father. In 1939, Bill joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served proudly through WW II and the Korean Conflict. He met his bride Barbara in 1946 and they were married the day after Christmas, of that same year. They remained married for 42 years until Barbara went to be with the Lord in 1989. Bill retired from military service in 1959 as a Master Sergeant and promptly hired on with The US Postal Service where he worked until retiring a second time, in 1978. He was always very proud of his letter of commendation from the Post Master General he received on the occasion of his retirement. Bill was also an avid "Rock Hound" and was a member of the Southwest Gem and Mineral Society. He received many awards and commendations for his rock specimens, was skilled in the art of cabochon construction and enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the annual rock show at Freeman Coliseum. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Berry and Annie Laurie Rankin of Sour Lake, TX and siblings - Lee, Lester, Milton, Margaret, Betty and baby Blanche. He is survived by his three children - Kay Leonard and husband Jerry of Pleasant Garden, NC; Leslie Rankin and wife Lillie of San Antonio, TX; Daughter-In-Law Penny Rankin of Fairview, TX; and John Rankin and wife Evelyn also of San Antonio; Five grandchildren - Brian Nicks and wife Wendy of Greensboro, NC; Lonnie Rankin and wife Jamie of Adkins, TX; Amy Collavo and husband Adam of Pleasanton, TX; Robin Neill and husband Lance of Stockdale, TX; and Kelly Rankin of Conway, AR. Bill was also blessed with 2 great-grandkids, Madison and Macie Rankin of Adkins, TX. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 8115 Datapoint Dr. San Antonio, TX 78229. Visitation will begin on Monday, March 26, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South. For personal acknowledgement you may sign the guest book at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

Tributes

MSgt. William Rankin

September 22, 1912 - March 24, 2012