Watson Smith Rankin: Loris

    Watson Smith Rankin, beloved husband of Emeline Jones Rankin passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 25 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Angel House in Whiteville. He was 81.
    He was born the son of Harry Wilson and Martha Allsbrook Rankin on Oct. 5, 1931 in the Allsbrook community. Mr. Rankin was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Loris.
    Watson and Emeline were married on July 23, 1952 and celebrated 60 years together. Their home was blessed with two daughters, Ellen Holley Rankin of Little River,  and Julia Emeline Rankin Hardwick (Dewayne) of Tabor City. They were blessed with three grandchildren, John Watson Rankin (Page), Hanna Emeline Hardwick Gattoni (Adam), Spencer Hardwick (Ashlee Clemons), and two great grandchildren, Matthew and Jacob DeFlieger.
    Mr. Rankin also loved his precious cat, Millie.
    He leaves behind one brother, Ogden A. Rankin, and wife, Dorothy.
    Mr. Rankin was predeceased by his parents and brothers, John A. Rankin, Joe R. Rankin, Wilson Rankin, and three sisters-in-law Esta Rankin, Vera Rankin, and Ruby Rankin.
    Mr. Rankin was a graduate of Western Carolina University where he received his B.S. and M.S.A. degrees in education. He retired as principal from Williams Township School in 1983.
    Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 at Hardwick Funeral Home in Loris.
    Funeral services were planned for  11 a.m.  Thursday, March 28 at the First Presbyterian Church in Loris.
    Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Loris, P.O. Box 425, Loris, S.C. 29569 or the Loris Library, 4316 Main St., Loris, S.C. 29569.
    A guestbook is available here.