Ralph "Sonny" Dwight Jr. Rankin

ROGERS — Ralph “Sonny” Dwight Rankin Jr. of Rogers, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers. He was born March 22, 1932, in Gravette, Ark., the son of Ralph Dwight Rankin Sr. and Effie Mae Harper.

He graduated from Gravette High School. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army as a tech sergeant. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor for heroic service in the Korean War.

Following his military service, Ralph lived in Kansas and worked at a truck driver. In 1966, he returned to Northwest Arkansas to work as a maintenance tech at Emerson Electric, RTW and then Kennametal. Ralph’s hobbies included gardening, bowling, fishing, traveling and spending time at his favorite hangout, Waffle Hut.

He was active in the Rogers Post of the American Legion. He was a member of Rogers First Church of the Nazarene, where he served as a greeter and a member of the Men’s Prayer Breakfast. Ralph was a very patriotic and happy man. He loved God, his family and was a friend to all. He loved people and was greatly loved.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christi Robinson; and sister, Deloris Craig.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Janice Rankin of the home; sons, Bill and Billy Rankin of Bentonville, Eric and Shawn Rankin of Bentonville, David and Darla Robinson of Decatur, Tyler Rankin of Rogers; daughters, Tammy Cruz of Topeka, Kan., and Lisa Robinson of Fayetteville; sisters, Emilie Cruz and Pat L’Allier; brothers, Guy Rankin, Jim Rankin, Clifford Roark and Fred Herman; grandchildren, Daniel Jeffries, Tanner Rankin, TaShawna Rankin, Taren Rankin, Derek Robinson, Ethan Robinson, Lauren Kale Rankin, Parker Rankin and Bryson Rankin; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. at Rogers First Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery near Gravette, Ark. Military honors will be conducted.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: LifeStyles in Fayetteville, Rogers Post American Legion or Rogers First Church of the Nazarene.