Rankin was born in Columbus, Georgia to the late John W. Walden and Amelie Burrus Walden Blackmon. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church. He graduated from Columbus High School and attended Georgia Southwestern State University.
Rankin loved spending time with his many, many friends – the people he grew up with, his golf buddies, his neighbors, and schoolmates. Rankin had a kind and generous spirit. He was always ready to help friends in need and always had an open door and a guest bedroom at the ready for friends and family.
Rankin adored all of his dogs and drew great happiness from Bo, his latest Best Friend. Rankin was also a Georgia Bulldog fanatic and delighted in any and all Bulldog paraphernalia. It was the greatest blessing for him to witness the dawgs win back-to-back National Championships.
He is survived by his sister Amelie Walden Walker (Joe), brother John W. Walden, Jr. (Sally), niece Wynne Walker Lowery (Scott), nephew Joseph S. Walker III (Rosette), niece Juliette Walker Reynolds (Michael), niece Sarah Walden, nephew John W. Walden III (Elizabeth), and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Rankin was loved by his family and many friends. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Walden family.
