Phillip Henry Rankin was born Dec. 12, 1928, in Fayette to the union of Robert and Annie Rankin.

Phillip was a graduate of Lovell High School in Fayette. After graduating at the age of 19, Phillip enlisted in the United States Army. After completing his tour of duty, he moved to Los Angeles where he was employed with American Car Company as a mechanic. 

Phillip accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and was baptized at the Taylor Chapel M.B. Church in Fayette.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, he united with the St. Mark M.B. Church.

After relocating to Vicksburg in 1994, Phillip united with the Gospel Temple M.B. Church where he remained a devoted, faithful and dutiful member to the church, Sunday school and Board of Trustees until his death.  

On Feb. 19, 1957, Phillip was joined in Holy matrimony to Flora Rankin, who preceded him in death. This union was blessed with two children.

In 2004, Phillip married his devoted wife, Bernell Ball-Rankin.

Phillip passed away Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, at Merit Health River Region Hospital. He was 88 years old.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Phil Rankin and Hannah “Mommie” Williams-Rankin.

Phillip leaves to cherish his fond memories his wife, Bernell Ball-Rankin of Vicksburg; his two children, Grenell Rankin of San Pedro, Calif., and Marlette Rankin, of Los Angeles; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Georgia Rankin-Wilson of West Memphis, Ark., and Clara Thomas of Chicago; and other relatives and friends; including Albert Williams and the Wilson family.