Orie William Rankin, some may know him as Billy, age 80 of Natalia, TX, left this world on May 21, 2023.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Orie Ray Rankin and Anna Emma Rankin, wife, Ruby Jean Rankin, daughter, Ruby Anne Reichel, and brothers, Buddy Rankin, Bobby Rankin, Timmy Rankin, and Claude Rankin.
Orie is survived by daughter, Emma (Davy) Allen; brother, Allen (Patty) Rankin; sister, Barbara (Frank) Hatch; grandchildren, Laura Reichel, Brooke (Matt) Allen-Kohlleppel, William (Haleigh) Reichel, Nicole Allen and Michael Reichel; great grandchildren, Corbin and Amelia Broderick, Skylar Kohlleppel, Kinley and Blakely Reichel; nieces & nephews, Michelle & Joseph Hatch, Bonnie (Stephen) Collins, Tracey (William) Knight, Anna Rankin, Jessica (Brian) Luna & numerous others. Great nieces and nephews, Jeremiah (Candice) Collins, Brandon (Brianna) Collins, Kimberley Collins, Cody Gaston & Nicholas Reak and numerous others.
Orie (Billy) was born on July 22, 1942. He graduated from South Side High School then served in the United States Navy for a few years on the Franklin D. Roosevelt ship. He married his wife in 1969 and had 46 beautiful years with her, and was a truck driver for H‑E‑B until his retirement in 2002.
Orie (Billy) loved his grandchildren, and loved his great grandchildren even more. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, instantly loved him. He loved listening to music and telling stories about his life. Orie never let a conversation end without slipping in at least one corny joke. He has impacted all of who were blessed to know him. We will all miss him and cherish the time we had forever.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, TX. A mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Lytle with interment to follow in Lytle Community Cemetery.
If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle.