Anthony Rankins passed away peacefully at his home in Antioch, CA on October 6, 2014. He was 62.
Anthony was born in Arizona on May 23, 1952 to Leroy Rankins and Emma Lee Kittrell. He worked for many years in sales and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melba Rankins, his two sons Wesley and Kevin Pittman and his three grandchildren Heaven, Major and Lincoln Pittman. Also his brothers Charles Ray, Cornell Ray and sister Nadine Ray all of Phoenix, AZ.
There will be a celebration of his life on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531.
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Thomas Ferrier
Tony was a great guy, even though we ran in different crowds, I respected him alot. I've thought about him throughout the years. 50 years OMG
Les Zendle
I remember the day (although not which year) that Tony started at Orangwood Elementary -- being the first African American student to enroll there. There was some drama. The principal cautioned everyone to "stay calm"! Thank goodness things have improved in our country, but there is still more work that needs to be done to combat racism.
Posey Moore (Nash)
Les, thank you for reminding me that Tony came to school with us at Orangewood...I don't remember that at ALL.
I also don't recall his brothers there. I do recall him at WHS, and like Tom have thought whatever happened to him.
Glad to know he had a family, so sorry to learn that he died at 62 years of age..........................he was a good guy!
Diane Dick
I also remember when his family moved into the hood and he started at Orangeood and we all went to Washington. What a great guy! What a smile! He is sadly missed.
Les, yes totally agree! Lots to do regarding racism!
Toby Stapley (Sheets)
I used to joke that 2 dark horses won Homecoming our senior year. He was the only black student (that I recall) and I was the first non-cheerleader or pom-pom girl in 15 years to win that royalty. I also saw Tony once at the airport where he worked. He also was upbeat and a character.
John Lind
This is sad with the growing number of names on the "In Memory" wall. I had wondered about him. Like others, I remember when he moved into the Orangewood district. He was the first black student at the school and was the only one in our class when we graduated. Mr. Harper, the principal clearly set the tone with his well articulated expectations. I wasn't around him much as I don't remember being in any classes with Tony, or in the same school activities, but from everything I saw, he was just another student. It was a stark contrast to some of what I saw and had to deal with for a couple of years during 1976-1977 in the US Army.
John
J. Lanier Little
Sorry that we have lost Tony from this world. He was a bright light! I enjoyed him as a friend, a classmate, and as a fellow athlete. He had a great sense of humor, a wonderful smile, and a caring attitude towards all around him. He is missed!
Catherine (Cathy) Felix (Dowell)
It was so amazing that when we saw Tony we NEVER saw color...he was one of us!