He was born on January 16, 1974 in Buffalo, Wyoming to Richard William Rankin Sr. and Doris Hansen Rankin.

Richard graduated from Alpine High School in 1993. He married Kristi in 1997 in Alpine, Texas and shared 24 years of marriage. He was a skilled plumber for over 30 years and worked hard at getting his Master Plumbing License. Richard's hobbies included crafting metal works, hunting, fly fishing, shooting, listening to music and antiquing. He was an avid collector of Coca Cola memorabilia. Richard loved the mountains and was a "Mountain Man" who grew up camping and spending time in nature. He cherished spending time with his amazing family and friends. Richard was always willing to give a hug and he never met a stranger.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard William Rankin Sr. and Doris "Dodie" Hansen Rankin.

He is survived by a daughter, Tara Rankin of Amarillo, TX; a son, Layne Rankin of San Diego, CA; two sisters, Patty Roll and husband Len of Spokane, WA and Vicki Harmon and husband Jim of Billings, MT; a brother, Russell Rankin and wife Stephanie of Austin, TX and his ex-wife, Kristi Rankin of Amarillo, TX.