MUCH loved former Bromsgrove Sporting and Redditch United midfielder Thomas Rankin was laid to rest at a packed Redditch Crematorium on Monday, April 25 at 2pm.
Thomas’s family and friends were in attendance to pay their last respects, as were many of his former teammates and the staff and supporters of both clubs.
In a statement, Redditch United said that the funeral was a fitting tribute to a ‘special young man’.
The tributes continued after the service at a wake held at Redditch’s Trico Stadium in what was described as a fitting celebration of his life.
Redditch United chairman David Faulkner said: “Tom was a huge part of Redditch United and it was humbling to see so many people connected with the club pay tribute to him at the service.
“Tom was clearly loved by so many people and I know the family were very appreciative that so many people were with them on the day.
“He has clearly touched so many lives from across the globe and he will so so sorely missed.”
The 26 year old passed away on March 27, just 24 hours after he’d played for United against AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
He had been with the club for three seasons including a spell as captain last year.
Thomas also played for Bromsgrove Sporting earlier in his career, making 14 appearances and scoring 1 goal for them.
A hugely popular figure at both clubs, there was a minutes applause for Thomas when Sporting played Redditch at the Victoria Ground the weekend after his death, with both sets of supporters showing their affection for a lovely man who gave his all.
