William (Bill) Rankin passed away on April 29, 2024, at Bay Ridge Assisted Living in Traverse City. Previously during his working career, he resided in communities in New York, Iowa and Florida. Bill was born on September 15, 1925 in Saranac Lake, NY. Following high school graduation in 1943, he served in the Navy during WWII. His military experience after receiving his Navy commission as an Ensign was on the LC1092 and at the navy base in Subic Bay in the Philippines.

After his military service, he attended Cornell University earning his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. As a student at Cornell, he met and married his wife, Jean, in 1947. During their working careers and retirement, they enjoyed many wonderful trips visiting friends and family members. Jean passed away in June 2018.

Bill was employed for 36 years with Cherry-Burrell Corp, then a division of United Dominion Industries, retiring in1985 as Product Engineering Manager in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa division. Bill served on various committees and boards of the Methodist churches in the communities where he resided. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #423 in Herkimer, NY and the Scottish Rite and El Kahir Shrine in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Surviving are two sons, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His two sons, Robert and William, followed his career choice by becoming engineers as well. Bill was predeceased by his wife, parents and siblings. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will held at a later date