Miss Reida A. Rankin

June 7, 1942 - June 30, 2013

Big Stone Gap, VA/Kingsport, TN Reida A. Rankin, 71, passed away on Sunday (June 30, 2013) at her home at Asbury Place of Kingsport. She attended Big Stone Gap Elementary and Middle School and graduated from the Charles E. Ellis School for Girls in Newtown Sq., PA. She was a Medical College of Virginia graduate with a degree in Radiology Technology. She retired from Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center with 25 years of service in Radiology, Activity Director of Wilcox Hall Skilled Unit and Receptionist. She was a member of Preston Hills Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, serving as an Elder. Miss Rankin was instrumental in forming the Upper East Tennessee Multiple Sclerosis Society. She received the Pioneer Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1976. She was a member of various civic organizations, including Kingsport Junior Women, Lioness Club, Mayor's Citizens Advisory Committee, Mayor's Advisory Council for the Handicapped and founder of the Roller-Russ House in Kingsport. Reida was preceded in death by her parents, T. Reid and Gladys (Monroe) Rankin. She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Elaine R. Bailey and her husband Carroll of Andover, MA, and many cousins and friends. A celebration of life service will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday (July 5, 2013) at Asbury Place of Kingsport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Reida A. Rankin to the T. Reid Rankin Family Scholarship, c/o. Mountain Empire Community College Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219. To view the obituary online and offer condolences, please visit www.holdingfuneralhome.com. Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, VA is honored to serve the Rankin family.