Wendy Rankin Carmickle

Wendy Rankin Carmickle (49) was born on January 4, 1972, and passed away on August 29, 2021. She was born in Bristol, Tennessee, to Jim and Alyce Rankin, and grew up in Bristol, Virginia. A 1990 graduate of John Battle High School, she attended Virginia Tech and completed training as a paralegal in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1994. At the time of her death, she was pursuing additional training in paralegal studies through Liberty University online. She lived most of her life in southwestern Virginia (Bristol, Roanoke, Chilhowie, and Marion). Along with Bill and her children, she lived in Bluffton, South Carolina from 2018 until her death.

Wendy was preceded in death by her mother, Alyce Mumpower Rankin, and her grandparents Lena Rush Rankin, George Washington Rankin, Helen Mary Mumpower, and Troy Bolden Mumpower Sr. She is survived by her father, Jim Rankin; her sister Debbie Rankin; her husband, William 'Bill' Randolph Carmickle; her children Andrew Christopher Snodgrass (25), Caroline Alena Snodgrass (22), Emma Katheryn Snodgrass (20), and Bentley Reese Carmickle (10); and her stepdaughter Elisbaeth Renei Carmickle (29).

Wendy spent countless hours going the extra mile to make other people's lives more special. She created scrapbooks to preserve the special moments in her family's lives. She was successful in numerous home businesses where she brightened birthdays with balloon bouquets; assisted parents in dressing their children in matching outfits; and boosted women's confidence in their appearance using a fine line of skin care products. Through her latest business, Sweet Tees, she spent immeasurable energy and creativity personalizing bridal party attire, matching t-shirts for family reunions and vacations, and one-of-a-kind items to match her clients' unique personalities.

Her love for life was best seen through Wendy's love for her family, who meant everything to her. She put her career on hold as she dedicated herself to being a full-time mother. The greatest joy of her life was watching her children grow, supporting them in their studies and favorite activities, encouraging them to follow their dreams, and celebrating their accomplishments. The beach was her truest happy place, especially when she was there surrounded by her husband and her children.

The family will celebrate Wendy's life at a private memorial service. They would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness and love during this difficult time.