More than four decades ago, Billy Jack Rankin relocated to Bangs, and since, has been an integral part of the community through education and community service.
Because of Rankin’s dedication and service, he has been selected by the Bangs Business Association as the grand marshal for the 2013 Bangs Mayfest parade. The 66 year-old father of two and grandfather of four said he was humbled to be chosen.
“Looking at the grand marshals that have been chosen in the past, it is an honor and I feel like they are expressing their thanks for what I have been able to do in the community,” Rankin said.
Graduating in 1969 from the University of Texas, Ranking worked for one year as a management trainee for Gulf Oil Corporation in Midland before beginning his teaching career in 1970 at Grandfall-Royalty High School. Rankin began his career with Bangs in 1972 as a junior high math teacher and coached high school football, basketball, track and golf. After marrying Mary Ann Stephens in 1973, Rankin later earned a Master of Education degree from Tarleton State University and later served as high school principal in Rising Star for one year.
Rankin returned in 1979 to become the first Bangs Junior High School principal and in 1991, became the administrative assistant to the superintendent, before himself being hired as superintendent in 1992. Retiring in 2003, Rankin returned to act as superintendent for about nine months in 2007.
During Rankin’s 30 years with Bangs ISD, he also served on the executive committee for the Texas Association of School Administrators; board of directors for the Equity Center in Austin; board of directors for the Brownwood Country Club; advisory council for the Education Service Center Region 15 in San Angelo; board of directors for State National Bank, Bangs branch and served a one-year term as the president for the Bangs Lions Club and another 13 as treasurer.
Looking back on his years as an educator, Rankin said he has many fond memories. “I miss the kids and the teachers,” Rankin said. “But, that part of my life is over and I am enjoying doing what I am doing now.”
Rankin is not only a retired educator, but a retired Soldier as well, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with the Texas Army National Guard after 36 years of service, which included a deployment in Afghanistan. “One of my assignments was the Armor Battalion Commander of the 136th Regional Training Institute in Austin,” Rankin said. “I was responsible for recruiting, training and supervision of military instructors in six states.”
While in Afghanistan, Rankin was the chief of staff for the Afghan National Army Training Assistance Group. “We mentored, coached and advised the Afghans as they trained up their army,” Rankin said. Once retired, Rankin split his time between Bangs and the Department of Defense in Leavenworth, Kansas as an independent consultant training civilian contractors assigned to military units headed to the Middle East.
Not looking to slow down any time soon, Rankin is still involved in the community. He is currently American Legion (Bangs) Lynn Snow Post #308 Commander; usher at Bangs First Baptist Church and a newly elected trustee; president of the Brown County Retired Teachers Association and will serve as First Vice-President, District 15 of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. Rankin rejoined the Bangs Lions Club in 2012 and is an independent consultant for Texas Teachers Alternative Certification Program and conducts observations for a small group of teachers in the central Texas area who are working on their alternative teacher certification.
“I do just as much now, being retired, as I did when I was working in the school system,” Rankin said.
As a member of the Brownwood Country Club, Rankin enjoys golfing when time permits, as well as scuba diving, snow skiing, water skiing and raising Texas Longhorn cattle.
Several job opportunities were available to Rankin as he began his teaching career. “I knew I made the right decision to stay in Bangs,” Rankin said. “Bangs is my wife’s home and I decided early on this is where I wanted to stay. It’s a close knit community and I am lucky to have become a part of it.”
The Mayfest parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4.
