Ray Rankin

Funeral Services for Ray Rankin, 86, of Midland, Texas, formerly of Chico, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport, with burial to follow at Lonestar Cemetery in Chico. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. Pastor Rick Davis will officiate.

R. Ray Rankin, affectionately known as Ray or R Ray by his family, passed away on April 20, 2024, in Midland, Texas, surrounded by those he loved. Born on April 30, 1937, on a ranch in Archer City, Texas, Ray grew up in rural Texas, learning the meaning and value of hard work from an early age. He was not only a hard worker but also a great storyteller, captivating listeners with tales of life on the ranch.

Ray was a bright student, graduating as Salutatorian from Bridgeport High School and later becoming the first college graduate in his family at Texas A&M University. It was during his time there that he met Brenda Joyce Molloy, his lifelong partner, whom he married on October 31, 1958, unaware it was Halloween. Together, they wasted no time in building a family and a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

Ray began his career in banking, serving as a loan officer and president for banks in Stephenville, Brownwood, Comanche, and Bowie, Texas. His dedication to service extended beyond his professional life, as he played integral roles in various community organizations, including founding and presiding over chapters of Optimist Club International. He also served his church faithfully as a deacon and Bible school teacher, leaving a lasting impact on those he encountered.

A lifelong reader, learner, and entrepreneur, Ray ventured into various real estate, cattle, and physical therapy endeavors. Later in life, he dedicated much of his time to his beautiful and bountiful garden.

Above all, Ray was a devoted family man, cherished by his wife, Brenda, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy of patience, kindness, integrity, and gentle guidance will forever be remembered.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Brenda Rankin; children David Rankin and wife Julie, Debbie Fuller and husband Rusty, Mark Rankin and wife Helen and Kim Rankin; grandchildren Leslie Downs and husband Paul, Todd Sliger, Jennifer Oliver and husband Jordan, James Fuller and wife Emily, Aaron Gideon and wife Melissa, Everett Rankin, Pryce Rankin and Hayley Rankin; great grandchildren Charlie Oliver, Calvin Oliver, Riley Oliver, Ty Gideon, Maverick Gideon, Quincy Downs, Ella Fuller and Stevie Fuller.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Louise Rankin; brother Larry Rankin; and sister Nita Bailey.

In remembrance, Ray Rankin will forever be celebrated as a good man, whose legacy of love, kindness, and service inspire all those who knew him.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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