James "Phil" Rankin

James “Phil” Rankin, 79, of Fordyce, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Phil was born on March 24, 1946, to the late James and Anna Pearl Rankin in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Patsi Rankin; their four daughters, Tonya (Marion) of Fordyce, Kim (Jason) of Mansfield, Andy (Marty) of Sheridan, and Jenna (TJ) of Fordyce; two brothers, Richard of Fayetteville and Terry (Tammy) of Hot Springs; his sister-in-law, Carol of El Dorado; twelve grandchildren: Joshua Barham, Gracen Hobbs, Jaylen Harper, Parker Gill, Mason and Hudson Morris, Anderson, Jamison, and Benjamin Bryant, Julie, Carlee, and Ryan Smith; and seven great-grandchildren: Sutton and Rowan Barham, Charlotte Grace Hobbs, Sterling James Harper, and Dixie, Faith, and Drake Huntley, along with numerous special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Anna Pearl Rankin, and his brother, Charles Rankin.

Phil was a devoted husband, father, Papaw, and friend who lived his life for God and his family. He was a great provider with a giving heart and always knew how to meet everyone’s needs at just the right time. Known as a gentle giant, Phil touched the lives of all who knew him.

He was a faithful member of Fordyce First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He enjoyed singing in the choir and going on trips with the Keenagers.

Phil worked for over 40 years in the outdoor equipment sales business where he formed many life-long, cherished friendships across several states.

Phil enjoyed taking photographs of sunsets, flowers, gardening, fishing, his church, collecting guitars and teaching himself how to play, the Arkansas Razorbacks, basketball, oldies music, hummingbirds, home cooked meals and his wife Patsi’s German chocolate cake.

Visitation will be held at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, Arkansas on Friday August 22, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. The service will be held in the Benton Funeral Home chapel on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM. The family will have a private burial following the service. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .