John Joseph Rankin

John Joseph Rankin, 93, of Jonesboro peacefully passed away Monday,  December 21, 2020 in Jonesboro. Joe was born in Strong, Arkansas on January 22, 1927 to Richard Cameron Sr. and Marie (Hargis) Rankin.

He graduated from Walnut Ridge High School. From there he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed on an air craft carrier in the Great Lakes during World War Two. When the war was over he attended Arkansas Tech University before transferring to the University of Arkansas and graduating in May of 1950. He then married Pauline Brady.

Joe was an Agricultural and Vocational teacher for over 35 years in Clover Bend, Dixie, Bay, and retired from Truman where he was awarded Teacher of the Year. He loved his students! Along with teaching he also farmed and developed Rankin’s Oak Forest Subdivision in Jonesboro. He earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Arkansas State University in 1975.

He was a Deacon, Elder and served on the Building Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro. He was also a founding board member of the First Presbyterian Preschool. He later became an active member in the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro.

He served on the board of the Craighead County Soccer Association while coaching his three grandsons. During his retirement he enjoyed gardening, playing golf, and being an active “Papaw”. He never missed an event that involved his grandchildren.

He was a lifelong Arkansas Razorback and Arkansas State Indians/Red Wolves supporter.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Pauline and brother Dr. Richard Cameron Rankin Jr.

Joe is survived by his two daughters,  Carolyn (Bill) Duke and Paula (Dr. Michael) Thompson both of Jonesboro, four grandchildren, Joe (Adriane) Duke of Jonesboro, Jonathan Pyle of Jonesboro, Ellen Duke (Brian) Lisko of Hazen, and Nate (Madeline) Pyle of Batesville, and three great grandchildren Dayton Duke, Rankin Margaret Duke, and Lucy Lisko.

He is also survived by his very special brother in law and sister in law, Vernon and Freddie Stone and their two sons Travis and Charles Stone. Three step granddaughters Corie Goodman, Candi Scott, and Laura Thompson and a host of nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a future date when it is deemed safe to gather without restrictions.

For lasting memorials, please consider First Tee-Empowering Youth through Golf, first tee.org/donate or First Tee, 424 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092 or Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association, 10201 West Markham, Suite 100 Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro 801 South Main Street.