Richard "Ricky" Rankin

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard “Ricky” Allen Rankin, 68, who went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 26, 2025. Ricky was a lifelong resident of Batesburg, South Carolina. He was born on January 21, 1957 in Aiken County, South Carolina to the late Lyston Ray "Dick" and Mildred Louise Wingard Rankin. Ricky lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and service. He enlisted in the National Guard, serving for six years as a Combat Engineer. Ricky valued his service highly. He spent many years working for Jackie Lawson Construction building chicken houses. Ricky later worked on Mrs. Sandy’s pecan farm; a place that was very special to him. His true life’s work was found in how he served others – always willing to lend a hand, expecting nothing in return.

A devoted member of Samaria Baptist Church, Ricky was a faithful member of their Senior Adult Sunday school class, Men’s Ministry, and served as an usher. He often came to church early on Sunday mornings so that he could see if coffee needed to be made, greeting others with a warm smile, and seeing if anything else needed to be taken care of that day prior to church services. He lived out his faith daily, quietly helping others behind the scenes – never seeking recognition, always believing in the verse, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

Ricky loved Jesus with all his heart. His servant’s heart and joyful spirit were evident in every part of his life – in his love for his family, in the way he raised his two beautiful daughters, and in how he cared for those around him. To his girls, he was more than just a dad – he was a hero, a protector, a teacher, a jokester, and a fixer of all things. He loved his faithful dog, Phoenix, who was never far from his side. He found joy in simple things – going to auctions, carpentry, fixing things with his hands, sharing laughs, and telling stories about “the old days” when times were simpler.

He had an infectious laugh and a warm spirit that made everyone around him feel at home. If you ever crossed paths with Ricky, you likely walked away with a smile and a little more light in your day. He loved cheering for his Gamecocks, watching B-L Panther games (probably the loudest one in the stands), with his dear friends Bryan, Robert, and Malcom. Ricky enjoyed having fellowship with the veterans at the South Carolina National Guard Armory where he helped take donations for scholarships for the ROTC.

His daughters will always cherish the memories of going to auctions and hauling hay with their father as it was in these moments their father would share life lessons he so often passed down – like “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” “Let your heart not be troubled,” and “Always follow your heart.” Even in the little things – like hiding a broken coffee cup so he wouldn’t “get in trouble” or teasing his daughters with tall tales and seeing how long he could keep them going – Ricky’s humor and heart shown through.

The one thing he loved most of all was being a grandfather. Ricky was a proud Papa and never hesitated to brag, share a photo or talk about a special moment shared between him and his grandson, River. Gifting him a Hess truck each time he saw him was a tradition that grew into a symbol of their special bond and shared love of cars. He was a good man, a hard worker, a quiet giver, a loving father, a proud papa, a joyful friend, and a faithful servant of Christ.

 Ricky is survived by his two daughters Jessica Smith (Whitney Smith) and Joani Rankin; who loved him deeply and carry his spirit with them every day; brother, David Rankin (Sheril); sister, Paula Wise; grandson, River Smith; nieces and nephews, Chuck Rice, Wendy Derrick, Jennifer Ricard, Amanda Lindner, Alicia Crockett, and Stephanie Hartley; great nieces and nephews, Treigh Clark, Caden Ricard, Olivia Derrick, Hadley Lindner, Kaylee Clark, Dalton Ricard, Kenzie Ricard, Wyatt Derrick, Brianna Hartley, Landon Hartley, Jonah Hartley, Nikki, Rebecca, Jordan Rice, Blake Rice, Caroline Rice, and Junior Rice; his best friends, Brian Senterfeit, Malcom Bryant, and Sandy Cary; And his beloved dog, Phoenix. Ricky was predeceased by his son, Wayne Taylor; infant brother, Henry Rankin; and brother-in-law, Bill Wise, Jr.

He leaves behind countless friends, family members, and a community that was made better by his presence.

The service to celebrate his life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2025 at Samaria Baptist Church with Pastor Wesley Mayfield officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel. Serving as active pallbearers will be John Hartley, Mike Derrick, Chad Lindner, Mike Straw, Todd Antonovich, Henry Gantt, Benji Leaphart, and Brandon Boley.

The family would like to give a special thank you to everyone for their prayers, phone calls, texts, food, flowers, and especially the amount of love shown during this time. Ricky’s family also request that everyone planning to attend his service, please dress casually, or wear B-L Panther colors / South Carolina Gamecock colors in his honor.

In honor of Ricky, you take a moment to help someone in need, share a kind word, or tell a good joke – just like he would.

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