Ben Rankin, of Joyner

Ben Rankin, age 93, of the Joyner community, passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at his home.

Ben was born on December 30, 1927 to the late Henry and Mandy Rankin. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Bobbie Jo Thornton Rankin; brothers Ernest, Melvin, and William; sisters Ester, Dora, and Eva. He is survived by his son, Van Rankin and wife Janice; daughter Phyllis Potter; grandchildren Kevin Rankin and wife Megan; Valerie Hyder, Kelli Harvey and husband Aaron; great-grandchildren Lochlyn and Harrison Rankin, Benjamin Hyder, Avaleigh and Ezra Harvey; and brother Claude Rankin.

Ben was a faithful Christian and spent many years of service with Union Baptist Church and most recently was a member of First Baptist Church of Wartburg. Ben was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a 50 year Mason with the Black Diamond Lodge and a 65 year member of the IAM Local 480. He retired in 1986 after 31 years as a machinist with Martin Marietta Y-12, formerly Union Carbide. Ben loved fishing and participated in many bass tournaments over the years. He was also a talented wood carver and made special carvings for the people he loved.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Schubert’s Funeral Home in Wartburg with Brother Doug White officiating. Receiving of friends will be from 11:00-1:00, with the funeral at 1:00 and burial to follow at Estes Cemetery in Coalfield.