Daniel Paul Rankin

DANIEL PAUL RANKIN "DANNY" Sept. 16, 1985 -- Sept. 29, 2012 The lights on earth dimmed and Heaven brightened yesterday when we lost Danny. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Danny attended Immaculate Heart of Mary and Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, graduating in the top of his class in 2004. He played football at UNLV – coached by John Robinson -- graduating in 2008. Danny tutored and worked with autistic children and was pursuing graduate work in psychology. He was proud that he came from a long line of Dan Rankins, calling himself Dan Rankin VI. He adored his sister, Emily, his best friend and confidant. Funny and witty, it was Danny's inviting, enormous smile that drew people -- from 7 to 70 -- to him. Danny was a genius – even a member of Mensa – but he talked as easily in medical lingo as he did movie lines. He enjoyed the simple things in life, above all his family and friends and making people laugh with his jokes, blogs and voice mails. Danny will live on, not only in our hearts, but through the 50 people who benefited from his generous gift of life through his organ donation. Danny is preceded in death by Daniel G. Rankin IV, and survived by his parents, Dan and Kim Rankin and sister Emily. He is loved and will be remembered by countless friends and family throughout the country. A Rosary service will be on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in North Little Rock with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a memorial mass at the church on Monday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Catholic High School for Boys. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.