Charles H. Rankin, age 81, died Saturday, June 9, 2018, at White Oak Manor Shelby. Born in Gaston County on December 7, 1936, he was the son of the late James F. Rankin and Rosa Lee Hope Rankin. Charles served in the US Air Force for four years. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and had retired after 30 years of service at Dover Textiles.

In addition to his parents Charles was preceded in death by one son, Charles Hillis Rankin Jr, four sisters; Margaret B. Smith, Opal VanderStouwe, Evelyn Barclay and Frances McLaughlin and four brothers; James Rankin, Stacey Rankin, Rufus Rankin and William "Bill" Rankin.

Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marlene Lee Rankin of Shelby, son David Lee Rankin and wife Denise of Shelby, two grandsons; Matthew "Matt" Rankin and Michael "Mike" Rankin as well as one brother Richard "Dick" Rankin and wife Judy and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral service with military honors will be held 2pm Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev Ervin Price and Rev. Priscilla Walker officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 pm until 2 pm.

In Lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to Cleveland County Hospice, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Rankin.