Brazil, Indiana

William “Bill” Rankin, 88, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 while staying at Hutsonwood of Brazil. He was born on November 29, 1937 in Washington D.C. to the late William and Frances (Lathrop) Rankin. Bill graduated from Garfield High School in the class of 1956, where he was active in basketball and attended college at the University of Miami Florida. After moving to Colorado for a job opportunity, he returned to Terre Haute and met Nadene Hayes Myers in 1967, and they were married for 57 years. Bill worked as a driver for the teamsters for 33 years, where he earned the coveted Million Mile Safe Driving Award. He also served as a reserve deputy for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and worked as a jailer after retirement. Bill was a member of Berea Christian Church, a past master of the Knightsville Masonic Lodge #409, a member of the Brazil Masonic Lodge #541, Vigo County Historical Society, and the Emmaus Community Walk #60.

Bill enjoyed reading, attending auctions, having coffee with his buddies at their gatherings, and traveling. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout U.S. and Canada. They were lighthouse keepers for 2 weeks in Ludington, Michigan which was a unique experience. They visited over 155 lighthouses  through the US.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Nadene; two step sons, C. Tracy (Frankie) Myers  and Mark A. (Debra) Myers; sisters, Jane (Jim) Reeves, Mary Jo (Paul) Fisher; four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; as well as several cousins and other extended family and friends.

Moore Funeral Home in Brazil was entrusted with Bill’s cremation arrangements.