William Steve Rankin

Born in Gastonia, NC on August 11, 1932 he was the son of the late Ernest E. and Lila Falls Rankin. He graduated from Gastonia High School, attended Belmont Abbey and served in the army with the 82nd Airborne Division. He was formerly employed by the city of Charlotte Fire Department.

Steve was a true outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, gardening and caring for birds. He did have a green thumb and could make anything grow. In his later years he enjoyed helping his older neighbors with their yards.

He is survived by his sister Geri Moton of Gastonia and his brother Dan Rankin (Pat) of Plano, TX; his wife of 59 years, DiAnne Rankin; his sons Steve Jr. (Sheila) and Lee; his grandchildren Bryan (Jennifer), Travis (Bryan), Justin, Maiya (Kelly), Madison (Marcus) and Dima (Jane); his great-grandchildren Albert, Woodrow, Wilhelmina, and Sofia. DiAnne’s sisters Debbie (Richard) and Kay, and brother Mike (Kathy) also survive him as well as his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He loved us all and we loved him back.

The family wishes to gratefully thank Dr. Peter Clark, Dr. Armida Parala-Metz, all the staff at Levine Cancer Institute, Hospice of Charlotte, Dr. Coutts and the Veterans Administration for taking such good care of Steve (and DiAnne). Services will be private due to COVID.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Steve to: Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).