Yippy Rankin passes away at 71
Walter “Yippy” Rankin reportedly died last week, leaving his admirers and golf fans in grief.
Rankin, who was the husband of famed golf broadcaster and analyst Judy Rankin, was aged 71 and at the time of his demise. His funeral was held at his hometown, Midland, Texas, this Monday.
According to the reports, Rankin had been battling cancer for months and was confined to his house in his final days.
Fans and admirers flocked to Rankin’s burial ceremony that was followed by a “Celebration of Life.” His family members and friends paid their final respect to him.
Rankin was best known for his services to women’s golf and LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour.
He remained loyal to the sport all his life, as he supported his wife in her professional career.
Before marrying Judy Rankin in 1967, he was a successful athlete, participating in different events.
Although he never played professional golf and was only indirectly related to the sport, he proved his worth in other sports.
He played baseball and American football for a brief period and then got involved in insurance business. Before his demise, Rankin had been associated with oil and gas sector.
His obituary in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal shed light on the couple’s relationship, "They shared in her career and were fortunate to make many friends and travel the world.
They were fortunate to also experience some great moments in sports. One of the great joys in his life was his son, Tuey.
Judy Ranking, who often speaks of his husband’s support for her, has been a successful golf broadcaster. In addition to serving the sport as an analyst and reporter, she also played pro golf.
She racked up 26 titles on the LPGA Tour. Moreover, her most momentous period in golf came when she won the money list in 1976 and 1977.
Judy wrote an article in Golf Digest in 2004 that described how her relationship with her husband shaped.
She wrote: "I met Yippy Rankin at a pro-am when I was 20. We knew each other for only three weeks before we got married. I wouldn't say we eloped, but we did get married in Juarez, Mexico.
"If we'd gotten married in El Paso, we would have had to wait three days for the blood test to come back”.
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