Gabriel Earl Rankins , also known as "Gabe" and affectionately called Earl by his family and friends, slipped quietly into his eternal rest the evening of Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Hampton Sentara Careplex.  Gabriel was born on April 20, 1968, in Bertie County, North Carolina, to Theora Hayes Rankins and Dennie Lee Rankins, Jr.  He was the youngest child and the only male born of this union.

Gabriel joined and was baptized in First Baptist Church Hampton at an early age, and he participated in Sunday School and many youth activities.

Gabriel's formal education began in the Hampton Public Schools system where his favorite subjects were history and geography.  He graduated from Hampton High School in the class of 1986.  Gabriel's heart was set on pursuing a military career, but his thin stature prevented this career choice from becoming a reality.

Gabriel was certified as a plumber and skilled forklift operator.  He delighted in his employment as a forklift operator and chose to work in this field for many years.  His most recent employment was with C&F Enterprise.  His employment history also included MICA of Canada, Commonwealth Wood, and Walmart.

Throughout his life Gabriel's calm demeanor was consistent, and he approached everything with an easy going manner.  He rarely raised his voice and was seldom angry.  He had a fondness for fishing and watching action and horror movies.  He enjoyed playing video games, solving crossword puzzles and word searches, and talking with friends, especially, Brandi.  He was described by many friends as a "loyal friend who provided good advice, and was always interested in helping others."

Gabriel shared a special bond with his sisters, Donna and Cynthia.  He would declare that they were always trying to boss him around. Together they enjoyed sporting events and football pools.  Even though they were close in age, Donna and Cynthia were very protective of him.  They became his caregivers along with his mother, after a near fatal accident in January 2022.

Gabriel's very special cousin, Sandra (Candy) Hayes, loved and frequently called to tease and joke with him. They would exchange conversations about crazy fun times from the past.  Sometimes Gabriel's response was, "I'm not talking to that nut today."

Gabriel is preceded in death by his grandfathers, James E. Cofield and Dennie Lee Rankins, Sr., and paternal grandmother, Daisy Lonie Cherry Rankins.

Survivors who will cherish his memory include his parents, Theora Hayes Rankins and Dennie Lee Rankin, Jr.; loving siblings, Donna D. Rankin and Cynthia B. Rankins; grandmother, Reva M. Capehart; four aunts, Betty Holmes, Eva L. Capehart, Valerie Hope Bradley (Thomas), and Kathlet Simpson; three uncles, Michael Hayes, Sherman Rankin, and Herman Rankin; a niece, Barbara Meadows, and a host of special cousins, other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va.  A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024 at First Baptist Church Hampton, 229 N. King Street, Hampton, VA.  Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.