Billie Rankin

Billie Louise Rankin, 86, of Waco, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Providence Health Center. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2013 at OakCrest Funeral Home with burial to follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation with her family will be 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Billie Louise Graves Rankin was born December 27, 1926 in Mexia to Annie Cooper Graves and H. H. Graves. She was raised there until she met the love of her life, Cecil “Buddy” Rankin. They were married September 1, 1945 at Mexia Calvary Baptist Church. They then moved to Waco and lived here until Buddy retired after 37 years at General Tire and Rubber Co. They moved to Palestine for eight years before moving back to Waco in 1990 to be near their daughter, Donna and granddaughter, Kristy.

On August 25, 2004, Buddy died. Billie had a hard time after being married to the love of her life. She went back to work at Dunlap, but was forced to quit due to health reasons after being at Goldstein’s and Dunlap’s for 15 years.

Billie joined Western Heights Baptist Church after Buddy passed away. She was active in many church activities including the Rachel Class and Women on Mission. Her church was considered as an extended family which she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three sisters; and one brother.

Billie is survived by one daughter, Donna Rankin Markum; one granddaughter, Kristy Markum Hill and her husband, Brooks Hill; the joy and love of life her two great grandchildren, Kaden and Kinley Hill; three nieces; six nephews; and several other loved ones.