Surrounded by his beloved family and dearest friends, Wiley Eugene Rankin passed away and entered the house of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, January 15, 2014. After years of battling with Emphysema and his most recent diagnosis of Bladder Cancer, Wiley left this world peacefully. In his home, encircled with love, care and compassion as he made his final journey, no longer in any pain or discomfort or struggling for every breath he took. He was completely at peace.

Wiley is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah (Warblow-Shannon) and by the pride and joy of his life, his children; Rachel Datson (Mark), Mark Rankin (Nancy), Desiree Lemon and Kimberly Muns-Rankin. Wiley is also survived by eleven grandchildren, all who were loved, adored and spoiled by their Papa. Wiley also leaves behind his loving sister Edith Mary Justice and his closest and most loyal friend Michael Muns (Tammy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Wiley was proceed in death by his son Daniel Rankin and precious baby granddaughter Sydney Rankin along with both his parents Roy Rankin and Cora Mae Rankin (Haskette), his brothers William, Lyman, Charlie, Thurman Lee, J.W., Ray, Glen, Kenny and his sister Rebecca.

Wiley loved to make others laugh and was a very kind and generous man with friends and family alike. Most that were "friends" were considered family as far as Wiley was concerned. At one time before Wiley became so ill and battled the diseases that took over his body he loved to hunt and fish, go camping with his family and closest friend and spend as much time as he could with his children and grandchildren. He had the ability to tell a story from his childhood in North Carolina and have anyone that was listening laughing uncontrollably within minutes. Wiley was the type of man that would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger if he thought even for a moment that they were in need and even if he himself would end up with nothing after giving away whatever he had. He worried more of others then he did himself and once a friend he was a friend forever.

In his younger years Wiley was a fantastic auto mechanic, working at Detroit Diesel. He enlisted in the military at a young age but due to his health conditions he was born with and other circumstances beyond his control he was discharged from the service early. Wiley was born with severe asthma and from the beginning of his life he had to endure medical treatments just to keep him alive and that has continued throughout his entire life here with us. We as his family and friends have watched Wiley over come many illnesses in his life, some that others never have the willpower to overcome but Wiley managed it with strength and his relationship with Jesus.

The most important thing in life is to enjoy life and what one has in this life. Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. Wiley knew this and lived this each and every day.

Feel free to leave the family a message, sharing fun times you've had with Wiley or memories of him you feel might bring the family comfort. If you are able to attend the small service on January 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the funeral home, don't hesitate to tell us about your memories. No matter how big or small the memory, these will all bring comfort to the family. If you are not comfortable talking in front of people the minister has generously offered to read anything that is typed to share your memories.

Visitation and Services will be held at:

Santeiu and Son Funeral Home
1139 Inkster Road
Garden City, Michigan 48135

The funeral home is located on the West side of Inkster Road, one half mile South of Ford Road.
Viewing begins at 2:00 PM
Service 7:00 PM (The funeral will conclude at the end of the service.)

Any donations are appreciated and will go towards Wiley's final expenses and medical bills.