Rankin Craig
1958 -2016
Gastonia - Rankin Lee Craig, 57, left this earth peacefully on May 22, 2016 surrounded by his family at Lincolnton Rehabilitation Center.
He was born in Jacksonville County, NC on August 20, 1958 to Judy Brittain Craig Smith and
The late Rankin "Willie" Craig.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rankin and Wilma Parrish Craig and maternal grandparents, Ralph and Ruth Phillips Brittain.
Rankin was a veteran of the US Air Force. Rankin graduated from Ashbrook High School and was a member of Parkwood Baptist Church.
Left to cherish his memories include his mother, Judy Brittain Craig Smith of Gastonia; daughter, Savannah Heilig (Ashton) and son, Lee Rankin all of Dallas; granddaughter, Kinley Grace Craig; and sister, Rhonda Loftin (Scot) of Gastonia; mother of the children, Frances "Sis" Chitwood.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC with Military Honors provided by the Gaston County Honor Guard.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Ashton Heilig, Eric Trimnal, Robbie Costner, Mark Davis, Jim Reid and Greg Matthews.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4200 Morganton Road, Suite 300, Fayetteville, NC 28314 and/or Hospice and Palliative Care Lincoln County, 900 Dontia Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28032.
Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.