Ralph Rankine, age 94, was born in Jamaica, West Indies, to Lillian and Ernest Rankine. The third of thirteen children, he was raised with values rooted in faith, hard work, honesty, and service—principles that guided his entire life. He is survived by five siblings.

Ralph was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Mayvine Rankine, who preceded him in death. Their marriage reflected love, perseverance, and shared faith, and together they modeled commitment, hospitality, and service. Her memory remained forever close to his heart.

In Jamaica, Ralph was well known and deeply respected for his strong work ethic and generosity. He worked as a night watchman and security guard at the Jamaica Library Service and, alongside his wife, operated a shop serving students and staff of Penn Secondary School. They provided lunches and treats and even supplied the school during breaks—feeding not just students, but an entire community.

Affectionately known as “Daddy Ralph,” he was someone people could always count on. Even years later, after migrating to the United States, former students recognized him on the streets of New York and fondly reminded him of those days at Penn Secondary School. Though he sometimes did not remember them right away, they always remembered him.

Ralph experienced a profound spiritual transformation later in life. Once reluctant to attend church, he became a devoted man of faith, worshipping faithfully with his wife at Jamaica Evangelist Center. Their home was filled with Sunday prayers, scripture, and hymns, including “Sweet Jesus, Sweet Jesus.” His faith was lived quietly through humility, consistency, and service.

Family will deeply miss his prayers, ludi and domino games, family outings, and even his nice cold Corona—simple joys that marked a life well lived.

In 1995, Ralph migrated to Queens, New York, where he continued living with integrity and service. An entrepreneur at heart, he became known for selling fresh produce each summer—callaloo, thyme, and tomatoes—offering honest business as a way of caring for others. He was a faithful member of Apostolic Temple of Jesus Christ, where he continued to grow spiritually and serve with quiet devotion.

Ralph will be remembered for his discipline, wisdom, calm spirit, and dependability. He lived by simple priorities: God first, family always, and community close at hand.

Ralph was the father of 8 children (Bobeth, Egan, Carol, Joy, Oliver, Michael (RIP), Robert, Paul, Sonia (adopted)), 34 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a grateful community whose lives were enriched by his love and faith.

As we celebrate the life of Ralph Rankine, we give thanks for a journey well lived and a legacy that will endure. We trust that he has been called home to rest in eternal peace.