William Luther Rankin

William Luther Rankin, the son of the late David and Essie Mae Ellis Rankin, was born on October 8, 1935, in Rowan County, Cleveland. On Friday, September 12, 2025, at the age of 89 in Southfield, Michigan, he made his transition to his heavenly home.

“Bill” as he was affectionately called, graduated R. A. Clement High School in 1953 in Cleveland, where he lived until graduating. After graduation he served 2 terms in the United States Army.

On June 1, 1963, in Cleveland, North Carolina, William and Peggye Wood Rankin were married. Bill attended Schoolcraft College where he received a millwright certificate. Bill became a general foreman at General Motors and retired after working 28 years.

Bill was a member of Third Creek A.M.E. Zion Church, Cleveland, in his earlier years. Later, Bill joined Peggye and became a member of Allen Temple Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, before moving to Detroit, Michigan. Bill was a very active member of Calvary Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir and served as an elder for several years. During his free time and after retirement, he loved bowling, golf and fishing.

In addition to his parents and stepmother, Annie Ellis Rankin, he was preceded in death by sisters, Genett, Eva Lee, Jean, Vivian and Eloise Rankin White; and brothers, Powell, John, Theodore and David.

Those who still cherish his memories are his loving wife of 62 years, Peggye Wood Rankin; brother, Reverend James Henry Rankin (Mary Emma) of Salisbury; sisters-in-law, Thelma Rankin, Detroit, MI, Virginia Rankin, Brooklyn, NY, Mary Wood, Peoria, AZ, Jackie Wood, Atlanta, GA and Julie Wood, Detroit, MI; special caregivers and nieces, Dana Rankin, Southfield, MI, Rohemia Stringer (George), Detroit, MI; godsons and nephews, Wayne (Jacqueline) Rankin of Cornelius, NC, Gilbert (Angela), Mooresville; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements: Services are Monday, September 29, 2025 with Visitation at 10:30 AM and Funeral at 11:30 AM in the A.R. Kelsey Memorial Chapel, Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. Services will also be live streamed through the N&K website: www.nobleandkelsey.com. Military Rites and Interment at 1:30 PM at the Salisbury National Cemetery. Reverend David Rankin, Officiating/Eulogist.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Rankin family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.