Ernest Howard Rankin, 79, of Calhoun, Georgia, formerly of Dalton, Georgia passed away Monday, July 16th,at his home surrounded by his family. Ernest was born May 8th, 1939 in Dalton, Georgia to James and Viola Rankin.  On December 12th, 1966 he married Elaine Parsons in Ringgold, Georgia. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Calhoun, Georgia. He retired from Rosedale after many years. Ernest loved spending time with his family, attending church, listening to Elvis, learning about history, and watching old Westerns.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of 52 years, children and their spouses, Lisa and Chris Welch of Dalton, Cheryl and David Kloser of Acworth, and Ken and Kendra Rankin of Chattanooga ; grandchildren,  Sara and Dustin Shaw, Katie Welch, Mollie Welch, Chase and Hannah Welch, and Zachary Kloser; great- grandchildren, Jeremiah Shaw and Jude Shaw; sister-in-law, Joan Rankin, and other cousins, friends, nieces and nephews as well as his two beloved pets. 

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Viola, his brother Paul Rankin and sister Syble Rankin, special grandmother Julia Rankin; grandson Matthew Welch.

Friends and loved ones may visit from 3:00 p.m  until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 19th at Heritage Baptist Church with the service to immediately follow at Heritage  Baptist Church located 345 Curtis Parkway SE Calhoun, Georgia, 30701. Pastor Brent Davis will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Heritage Baptist Church. Condolences can be left for the family at www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com