Willie James Rankins, Sr., was born on April 27, 1950 in Clarke County, Alabama.
He transitioned to his heavenly home on January 24, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence James Rankins, Sr. and Ella Nora Rankins; son, Gene Washington three sisters; Alfreda Graham, Shirley Belser and Ann Boykin; two brothers; Lonnie Rankins and Edward Charles Rankins.
He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 40 years, Ella Mae Rankins;
Four daughters; Andrea Fox of Montgomery, Alabama, Sharon Rankins (Kenneth) Ambrose, of Mobile, Alabama,
Dionne Rankins (Dane), and Willana Rankins (Lionel) of Calvert, Alabama; two sons; Willie James (Taquino)
Rankins, Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida, Nickles (Leandra) Rankins of Montgomery, Alabama; one sister; Elder Mary
Poellnitz of Mobile, Alabama; one brother; Lawrence James (Carolyn) Rankins, Jr. of Mobile, Alabama; one
sister-in-law; Flora Rankins of Foley, Alabama; one brother-in-law; Charles Graham, Sr. of Mobile, Alabama; one
son-in-law; Terrance Cooper; thirteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins other relatives and friends.