Mr. Roland James Rankin, a man of unwavering faith, boundless love, and extraordinary skill, passed away peacefully in his home on September 12, 2025.

Roland was born July 26, 1950, in Ohio, to the late William and Edith Rankin. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-two years, Doris Jean Stowers Rankin, who passed on October 9, 2011, as well as by his sisters, Doris Lawson and Catherine Ingram.

A graduate of the class of 1968, Roland later earned his CNA degree in nursing from Dalton College. His career was marked by a deep dedication to fellowship, service, craft, and artistry. He spent many years in construction and was instrumental in restoring historic properties, including the treasured Huff House. He worked in environmental services at Hamilton Medical Center, owned and operated his own HVAC company, Mechanical Labor Services, and in later years shared his skills with others through his work at Lowe's. Roland was also an artist whose creativity was evident not only in his artwork but in every project he touched. His mechanical know-how and craftsmanship were only surpassed by his servant's heart and his love for others.

A devoted minister of the gospel, Roland's life was a testament to his deep faith in Jesus Christ. He and his wife opened their hearts and home to foster children, caring for more than 245 children over the years. Some stayed for a night, while others became part of the family permanently. Through this incredible act of love, Roland demonstrated what it meant to live with compassion and grace.

Above all, Roland was a family man. His greatest joy was his children and grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and guided faithfully.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Tina Marie Rankin, Roland and Amy Rankin, Jr., Krystal and Brian Beck, Laura Mae Rankin and Daniel White, Jean and David Leatherwood, Ben and Traci Rankin, Tiffany and Jessie Vick, Erica and Dustin Campbell, Bobby and Carla Maton, and Barry Rankin; twin brother, Ronald Rankin; sisters, Glenda Smalls and Debbie Rankin; grandchildren, Garion Rolandson, Emma Beck, Breyton Beck, Seth Maton, Ryan Maton, Luke Maton, Chloe Kelley, Lillian Flis, Zoey Flis, Sean White, Maci Rankin, Jamal Al'Shouli, Jacob Al'Shouli, Sarah Al'Shouli, Madalynn Catlett, Alyson Catlett, Caylee Gober, and Paislee Gober; great-grandchildren, Brayden Zeigler, Kamzie Zeigler, Kynzlee Zeigler, Kason Rodriguez, Zaxtynn Byers, and Legacii Al'Shouli; and several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate Roland's remarkable life will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with his son, Roland Rankin, Jr., and Reverend Dwayne Scott officiating. Roland will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at Ponders Murray Memorial Gardens in Chatsworth, Georgia. Pallbearers will be Ben Rankin, Roland Rankin, Jr., Seth Maton, Luke Maton, Ryan Maton, and Bobby Maton.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Saturday morning, beginning at 10:00 a.m., until the service hour.

Roland leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, life, service, and faith. His life's work lives on in the family he cherished beyond measure, the countless lives he touched, and the vast collection of infrastructure and artistry projects.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel
138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721
706-226-4002
www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org