Richard Charles Rankin

It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard Charles Rankin announces his passing on February 10, 2025. He passed away peacefully in Richmond, VA in the health center at Cedarfield Retirement Community after a prolonged illness. He was a man of integrity, passion and honor and dedicated his life to his family and his work. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1965 and joined the Air Force in 1966 as a First Lieutenant. He graduated from his beloved University of Notre Dame in 1972 with a Master's Degree in Latin American Studies. Richard spent 26 years in the United States Air Force working in the intelligence field and retired in 1993 as a Colonel. Honors included the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent 17 years in the private sector continuing his work in project management and serving as a mentor to young professionals. Although he had a successful career, he would say that his greatest accomplishment was as husband and father. He was married to his beloved wife, Carol Rankin for 59 years. He and Carol spent their early years together actively involved in the swimming community in Northern Virginia in order to help their children, Laura (John) Outland, Tracey (Jim) FitzGerald and Timothy (Dana) Rankin succeed as both students and athletes. Richard served as president of both the Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL) and Potomac Valley Swimming. After retiring to Fawn Lake in Spotsylvania, VA, he spent his time playing golf, boating, driving his grandchildren (Emma FitzGerald, Cooper FitzGerald, Cole FitzGerald, Lillian Outland, Lucas Outland, Ella Outland, Sophie Rankin and Drew Rankin) around in the golf cart, leading tours at Ellwood Plantation and travelling with Carol in order to check items off their "bucket list." He was a true friend with a wonderful sense of humor and a smile that could light up a room. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maryonne Rankin. There will be a "Celebration of Life" on May 18, 2025 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Fawn Lake Country Club, 11305 Longstreet Drive, Spotsylvania, VA 22551. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bcrf.org). Burial will take place at Arlington Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.