Wilton Rankin, 89, passed away peacefully at home April 12, 2017 in Charlotte. Born September 11, 1927 in Wilmington, NC he was a son of the late Robert Franklin Rankin, Sr. and Florence Rackley Rankin. He was the youngest of 15 children.
Wilton graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC at age 16, being academically gifted; he joined the Merchant Marine, served in WWII and in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After the war, Wilton attended UNC Chapel Hill where he earned an ABS Degree in Chemistry and Zoology, Masters from the School of Public Health, and a Doctor of Juris Prudence from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Law.
In 1959, he moved to Charlotte and began his career as a Patent Attorney working for Worley Parrott. After leaving that firm he was employed by Sodyeco which was purchased by Sandoz. He retired from Sandoz as Vice President and General Counsel for the North American Division Corporate Office.
Wilton was civic minded, serving on the Mecklenburg County Water and Air Pollution Board, the Mecklenburg County Health Care Board for four years, and also as Chairman for two years. He also served as Chairman for the Southern Piedmont Health Board. Wilton helped start the first Manufacturer's Council for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Myers Park Methodist Church.
Wilton is survived by his wife of 68 years, Tiffany W. Rankin; son, William T. Rankin; daughter, Diane V. Rankin; and adopted daughter, Donna M. Davis.
A visitation and receiving of friends will be held from 1:00-3:00 pm on Saturday, June 3rd, at 200 Hempstead Place, Charlotte, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Wilton Rankin's name to the Friends of the Library at UNC, CB#3900, Chapel Hill, NC 27516-8890 or to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204.
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Sponsored by CLOSED-McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park.
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