David Keith Rankin

David Keith Rankin, a man whose life was a testament to the power of love, adventure, and unyielding optimism, left this world on November 27, 2025, in Austin, Texas, after a courageous battle with MS. Born on September 14, 1963, in Fairbanks, Alaska, David's journey was one of purpose, joy, and profound impact, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

David, affectionately known by many as simply Dave, held the torch of life's possibilities high for all to see. A graduate of Falon High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting in 1994, laying the foundation for a career that would take him across the globe. His work as a contractor for the military brought him to the shores of Iceland and England, where his love for cultures and connections flourished.

Returning to the U.S., David continued to make his mark professionally at Tokyo Electron and Temple-Inland, where his expertise and dedication were as evident as his ever-present smile. But it was not just in his professional endeavors that David shone brightly; his passion for life was evident in his personal pursuits as well. A Christian by faith, he lived his beliefs through acts of kindness and a spirit of generosity that knew no bounds.

David's love for music set his soul alight, and it was a language he spoke fluently, one that transcended words. His passion for traveling took him to distant lands, and yet he found as much joy in the journey as in the destination. Orchids, with their intricate beauty and resilience, mirrored his own nature, and in them, he found a kindred spirit. His quest for knowledge was unending, as seen in his dedication to learning Spanish, and his love for golf was more than a hobby-it was a dance with nature, a challenge, and a joy.

Family was the cornerstone of David's world. He is survived by his loving wife Deborah, his daughter Monet and son-in-law Ryan McNair, and his cherished granddaughter Aaliyah. His mother, Nellie Rankin, and his siblings Frankie Cheer, Pam and Harold Graves, and Wayne and Margaret Rankin, along with many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins, will forever hold David's memory close to their hearts. His father, Frank Rankin Jr., preceded him in death but undoubtedly greeted him with open arms on the other side.

David's essence can best be captured by the words loving, adventurous, and optimistic. He saw each day as a canvas, a chance to paint something beautiful, to make a difference, and to spread joy. In the words of Helen Keller, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." David embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, living each moment to the fullest and inspiring others to do the same.

Today, as we celebrate David's life, we are reminded of the light he brought into this world-a light that continues to shine in the hearts and memories of those he loved. His legacy is not one of sorrow but of celebration-a celebration of a life well-lived, of dreams pursued, and of love shared.

Farewell, David Keith Rankin. Your journey on this earth was a beacon of hope, a symphony of joy, and an enduring declaration that life, in all its complexity, is a beautiful gift to be cherished and lived with gusto. Your spirit will forever dance among the stars, guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us to live with the courage of an open heart.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David's name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Arkansas-Oklahoma-Texas Chapter: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/resources/get-connected/in-your-area/txh

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Harrell Funeral Home located at 4435 Frontier Trail in Austin, Texas.