Obituary of Belvin Rankin

Belvin Rankin transitioned from this life on December 29, 2020 at Mercy Hospital Philadelphia, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Belvin was the oldest of seven children born to his mother Dolores O. Rankin (Winans) in Dunn, North Carolina. Belvin’s father, Marvin Elliott, was also a resident of Dunn. Much of Belvin’s early childhood was spent on his great-grandparents’ farm in North Carolina where he was loved and doted on by his mother. Dolores loved being a mom, affectionately referring to Belvin as her “Biscuit Baby” because he had to have a biscuit before they began their day. Belvin moved with his mother to Philadelphia in 1958, where he was a student in the Philadelphia School District. He was a happy, loving, and helpful child. In 1964, his role as Mommy’s little helper would be put to the test with a call for help from his mother which resulted in what Belvin would often jokingly describe as the most traumatizing event of his childhood – witnessing the unexpected birth of his little sister Margaret, as he was the one called on to find help and, the hero of the story. Oh, how he would laugh whenever he recounted the events of that day! Belvin attended Salzburger Middle School where he was a good student, and later attended West Philadelphia High School where he became a member of their elite Chess Team. Belvin was also a talented athlete, exceling in both basketball and baseball, and was even scouted by professional teams before being drafted into the military. He was inducted into the United States Air Force in the fall of1972 and became a computer specialist. Extremely bright, Belvin rose in rank becoming a Specialist E4 before being honorably discharged from the military to work on ships at the Philadelphia Naval Yard. He also took advantage of the benefits of his proud service by earning an associate’s degree from the Community College of Philadelphia, and helping in the purchase of his first home. Belvin was a collector most of his a life, and as a teen collected both baseball cards and comic books (Siblings messed them up. Could have been rich!). He loved music and was a good dancer, turning his love of the two into a paid hobby when he became a DJ while amassing a large music collection in addition to his other items. Belvin worked for the United States Postal Service until he was injured on the job and became disabled. Following his disability, Belvin lived what many would call an unconventional life, but he lived it on his own terms. Belvin was a loving and giving brother: If you said “I need this, or that,” it would appear on your doorstep. It didn’t matter what it was, he would find it for you. No “rock or trash can” would go unturned until he found it for you (inside joke). Belvin had a strong, contrary personality allowing him to overcome some difficult circumstances, one of which being the loss of his limbs in a tragic accident. He didn’t allow it to beat him though, instead, he thrived, becoming even closer to his family and to God. Even while in the hospital battling for his life, his love and concern for his sisters and nieces to have what they needed to get through this pandemic was at the forefront of his thoughts, generously gifting each of them. He was contrary and courageous until God in His loving kindness called him home. His promotion to eternity is a reminder to us all that there will be Glory after this. Belvin was preceded in death by his mother, Dolores O. Winans; his father, Marvin Elliott; and two brothers, Stanley Rankin-Brody and Robert Earl Winans, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory: his son James Rankin of Niagara Falls, NY; his brother Willie S. Winans (Lisa Oliver Winans) of Portsmouth, VA; sisters Romona Winans, Margaret L. Winans, and Deborah Winans, all of Philadelphia, PA; 19 nieces and nephews; 35 great-nieces and -nephews; four great-great-nieces and –nephews; an aunt, Christine Forbes; a special cousin (a brother from another mother), Frederick Gaines; and a host of family and friends.