The Shadow
John Wilson “Jack” Rankin, III
John Wilson “Jack” Rankin, III, 80, of Lynchburg, died on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Jack was born at Front Royal, VA, a son of John Wilson “Jack” Rankin, II of Augusta County and Maryjane Strickler Rankin of Luray. He was the husband of the late Patricia Cuffia Rankin of Lynchburg, VA. The couple were long-time residents of Roanoke and Craig counties. (Roanoke and New Castle, VA).
Jack is predeceased by his sister, the late Margaret “Peggy” Brinkley of Clifton Forge, VA and his brother, the late Paul Todd Rankin of Mechanicsville, VA. He is survived by his sisters, Nancy Rankin Hall of Cape Charles, VA and Cindy H. Watson of Bedford, VA, as well as by his nieces, Margaret “Molly” Newcomb Hayman of Wellfleet, MA and Kathryn Blair Rankin O’Donnel of Philadelphia, PA along with their families, in addition to his nephews, Eric Scott Brinkley, Paul Lewis Brinkley of Clifton Forge, VA and Andrew Todd Rankin of Mechanicsville, VA.
Jack was raised in the Shenandoah Valley during his early years, and later moved with his family to Clifton Forge, VA. He played football for CFHS, graduating from there. He attended The College of William & Mary, earning money working at the King’s Arms Tavern in Williamsburg. Jack was a veteran and served in the US Army at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
His career began managing a Woolco Department Store in East Brunswick, NJ. He then returned to his home state of Virginia, to manage Woodcare Corporation, a wood and metal refinishing product manufacturing company, founded by his father. Jack later founded and operated Craig Printing Company, serving the printing needs for a wide variety of clients across various locations.
Jack was a man of many interests. He loved traveling by trailer camper with his wife, Pat, throughout the US and Canada. He was an enthusiast for golf, canoeing, NASCAR races, and gold mining in the wilderness. He was a novice numismatist, loved auto mechanics, enjoyed “Supper Bridge” and spending time with his family, associates and friends.
An avid reader, he was always a dependable source of stories, jokes and wit. Laughter with him will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: The American Diabetes Association, or The Craig County Fire and Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 308, New Castle, VA 24127).
Services will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, St. Peter Mausoleum, 5731 Airport Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, on March 30, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
