Kevin Ray Rankins

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. ~2 Timothy 4:7-8

Kevin Ray Rankins 68, of 605 Brevard St affectionally know was “Winky” was very well known for his love, kindness, & humble spirits. Born to the late Sidney "Shorty" Marshal Rankins, Sr. and the late Katherine Davidson Rankins on March 13, 1956. He gained his wings at 6:05 am on September 10, 2024, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. 

In addition to Kevin's parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers William "Billy" Lackey & Gary F. Davidson, two brothers–in-law James “JC” Carr & Donald R Stewart and one sister-in-law Alvis Rankins. Three special friends Bobby Knox, James "Whimp" Gray & Richard "Reco" Rucker.

Kevin leaves to cherish his legacy a son, Kevin D. Rankins (Tonya), a daughter, Kenya Rankins. Eight grandchildren, Jada Rankins, Jasmine Rankins, Kaidyn Rankins, Kyron Rankins, DeShon Holmes, Jaylen Williams, Jayquan Williams, Jayvon Williams, two great grandchildren Jaylen Williams Jr., and Prince Jayceon Williams. five sisters, Linda Faye Carr, Brenda K. Rankins, Gwendolyn Rankins, Paulette Tucker (Clarence), Celia Annette Boone, brothers Marshall Rankins, Jr. & Johnny Ray Myers, Jr. (Lisa).  A Godson, Bobby "BJ" D. Holmes, Jr. (Telia) & Goddaughter Arlette Scott. A Special friend Cynthia Holmes as well as a host of nieces, nephews & cousins. 

Kevin began his journey with the city in 1978 within the Water/Sewer Maintenance Division. In 1985 he transitioned to the Sanitation Division, assuming the role of Assistant Sanitation Superintendent, working alongside his longtime friend and mentor, Freddy Morrison. In 2019 Rankins was promoted to the position of Sanitation Superintendent. Rankin’s tenure within the Sanitation Division witnessed the transformation from days of manual back-door pickups to the introduction of semi-automatic trucks, to the implementation of automatic trucks. After 45 years of service Winky retired.

Kevin loved to go fishing as one of his past times. One of the most memorable traditions our family will miss, is frying fish. He was a huge Carolina Tarheels & Pittsburg Steelers fan. Kevin was a member of The Commandment Keepers Church of the Living God, Bibleway #1 (Headquarters). Kevin served as a Trustee for Bibleway #1. Kevin was the President of the Rankinstown Reunion Committee. Kevin graduated Statesville High School, where he was a point guard for the basketball team. Kevin also attended Mitchell Community College. 

Kevin legacy will live on thru his family and friends, that will love and miss him so much. 

Psalm 139: 1-3 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Bibleway #1 (Headquaters), 326 E. Bingham St, Statesville, NC 28677 at 12pm. Mr. Rankins will remain at Nicholson Funeral Home until he is taken to the church to lie in state at 10am. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 11am until 12pm. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. At other times the family will assemble at his daughter Kenya Rankins home 719 North Kelly Street Statesville, NC 28677. 

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Rankins Family.

The service will be live streamed at this link: https://youtube.com/live/ZYsuEhT0YKI?feature=share