James Chester “Bud” Rankin, Jr.

James Chester “Bud” Rankin, Jr. age 91, of Paris, Kentucky departed this life on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Bourbon Heights. James was born on July 19, 1935, in Newtown, Kentucky, the son of the late Mildred Ellen Case and James Chester Rankin, Sr., was a graduate of Bourbon County High School, was a veteran, having served in the Army Reserves, and a member of Old Union Christian Church. In 1966 he started working at Kentucky Village, which later became Blackburn Correctional Center, where he served as Deputy Warden. He left that position to accept the appointment to the Parole Board for two terms, retiring in 1999. Being a lifelong farmer, he became very instrumental in the tobacco baling process in the mid 70’s working with the University of Kentucky to bring the first tobacco baler to his stripping room in 1975 and revolutionizing this new method to become a standard procedure in the tobacco industry. In addition to tobacco, Bud raised thoroughbred horses and hauled many yearlings to the sales via gooseneck trailers long before that was a common practice.

In addition to his parents, and first wife Leila Frances Burberry Rankin, Bud was preceded in death by his brothers, Bradley Rankin, Bobby Rankin, Donnie Rankin, Wayne Rankin, Jerry Rankin; and a granddaughter-in-law, Kayla Rankin.

Surviving are two sons, Jim (Elizabeth) Rankin III, Benjamin M. Rankin; grandchildren, James Rankin “Jay” (Lindsey) Rankin IV, John Rankin; great grandchildren, Ramsey Elizabeth Rankin, Aubrey Rae Jones, James Chester Rankin V, and Bellamy Monroe Rankin. Also surviving is a sister, Marilyn Sue (Ray) Lilly; a sister-in-law, Martha Rankin; a very special friend, Vera Rankin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to join the family for the Inurnment which will follow on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Old Union cemetery, 6856 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations to Bourbon Heights Activity Center, 2000 South Main Street, Paris, Kentucky 40361. www.hintonturner.com