Rick Rana

Rick Rana, 63, departed this life on July 20, 2010 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born June 18, 1947, in Dumas, Arkansas, he was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Annella Rana and his brother, Benji Rana. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, children, Cara Lank and husband Shane of Little Rock, Dr. Ryan Rana and wife Anne of Fayetteville, Morton Epperson of Little Rock and Jordan Epperson of the home; grandchildren, Abby, Jude and Gabriel Rana of Fayetteville, Allyson Lank of Little Rock; sister, Katie Dutton and husband Larry of Star City. Rick graduated from Dumas High School and attended Southern State University in Magnolia before enlisting in the Marine Corps where he served for three years, including a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam. He received his bachelor's degree from Arkansas A&M (UAM) in Monticello. He obtained his master's degree from Northeast Louisiana University (ULM), Monroe, Louisiana. While working on his master's, he coached at River Oaks School. Rick had a long career as a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent. He served in all these capacities at Shreve Christian School in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he established life long relationships as a coach and mentor. His career in education continued as a teacher and football coach at Monticello, as Jr. High Principal at Newport, High School Principal and later Superintendent at Shirley and most recently Superintendent at Heber Springs, from which he retired in June 2009. Visitation will be Thursday, July 22, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Heber Springs Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, July 23, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs. Internment will be at Higden-McLehaney Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cleburne County Health Department Hospice, who were such a blessing in caring for Rick in his last days, or The Joshua Center @ New Heights Church, 2889 N. College, Fayetteville, Ark. 72703. This center is lead by Rick's son, Dr. Ryan Rana, and is a center for faith based family counseling and training for ministry. Gifts to either would be received with honor.