Troy Gordon Rankin

Troy “Gordon” Rankin, age 91, of Canyon Lake, Texas, died on Thursday, April 25, 2024, surrounded by family members.  

Gordon was born on May 27, 1932, in Pearsall, Texas to Addie Mary and Boyd Miller Rankin.  He grew up in the town of Cotulla, Texas as well as the family farm outside of Cotulla, purchased in 1943.  He loved the country, raising animals, hunting, and the freedom that living in the country afforded him.  Rarely would he be seen without one of his favorite guns, which started his extensive collection.

He was a prolific practical joker and one of his most memorable jokes was to carry his violin case with him.  Folks would want to see his “fiddle”, but upon opening the case, most often in their lap while seated, a large bull snake would slither out of the case, sending the victims “running for their lives”.

Gordon was an excellent high school athlete playing football, basketball, and running track.   He was also a cattle expert and successful in the cattle business.  In fact, the superintendent of high schools would take Gordon out of classes to attend the local cattle auction as his expertise was needed for buying cows.

He attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) on a football scholarship.  During his first year, however, he suffered a career ending injury.  As a result, he paid his way through college by working at the athletic training table, as well as selling sandwiches, donuts, and cigarettes in the dorms.   Surprisingly, after many potential college-ending pranks, he graduated with a degree in physical education as he thought he wanted to coach football.

After college, he joined the marines as a lieutenant as he had completed two years of ROTC in school.   In the marines he led an artillery battery where he excelled due to the seriousness of the job knowing the artillery fire would travel for miles.

In 1957, he began a career in the corrosion control industry working with Wayne Broyles Engineering installing cathodic protection systems.  After two years, Mr. Broyles offered Gordon a job to lead and turn around Farwest Corrosion Control Company in Los Angeles, California.  With a handshake, he accepted the position, moved his family west, and began his new career.  When Farwest improved, he was given 20% of the company, became president, and in 1973 bought the remaining shares of the company. In business he was known for his integrity and as a result, the company grew.  In 1987, he became president of NACE, the corrosion industry association.

Gordon was known for many things including his character, honesty, sense of humor, his practical jokes, “tomfoolery”, his giving nature, his toughness, and his kindness.  He was respected and admired by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Bettie, seven sons and daughters, twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.  

A service in his honor will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Freedom Fellowship Church.  A visitation/viewing will begin at 9:00 am at the church followed by a service at 10:00 am.  A graveside service will follow at Hill Country Memorial Gardens.   Afterwards, a guest reception will be held at the church, where lunch will be provided.