Carl Rankin

Carl E. “Rusty” Rankin was born on March 23rd, 1950 in Corpus Christi, TX. On April 3rd, 2021 Rusty left this Earth with his wife Donna by his side. Rusty was a talented chuckwagon cook and made some of the best biscuits and cowboy coffee that his many visitors have ever had. We’re sure he’ll continue to share his stories of cowboys and cattle drives which were so much a part of his life. So many who visited his chuckwagon became not just friends, but family. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and her sons Lynn, Richard, Jared and Daniel as well as many grandchildren who were all such a special part of his life and his heart. He is also survived by his father Herbert C. “Bud” Rankin, son Robert Rankin and his children Tristen and Madison, and daughter Rebecca Rankin and her children Lauren and Kimberly. Many will remember Rusty not only as the old chuckwagon cook, but as Santa at Dollywood, All who knew him will remember the laughs, the stories, and the joy he brought to their lives.