George 'Chick' Rankins

Born in Baltimore, MD, in 1926, George grew up in Newark, NJ, and Greensboro, NC. He enlisted in the US Army shortly before the end of the World War II and fought in the Korean War with the 2nd Ranger Company. George earned a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars for valor in combat while serving with the Rangers. He went on to serve in the Army for 23 years, before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1967. Upon retirement from the Army, George returned to Oregon and established himself as active member of the Portland Community and worked as the Director of Economic Development and Employment at the Urban League of Portland from which he retired in 1985. He was a commissioner on the Portland Exposition Recreation Commission, and the Oregon Racing Commission. George was an avid golfer and played all over the world. He was also a football fan and served as an official for both high school and college football, including many years as a PAC-10 official. He enjoyed travel and crossed North America several times as well as visits to South America and Europe. George has one son Scott Rankins (deceased) and a daughter Joelle Rankins Goodwin.