Obituary of Basil James Ranier

Basil James "BJ" Ranier No flag was thrown when Leukemia played dirty. Basil "BJ" Ranier, 22, stayed in the game moving courageously forward in Faith with family, fiancée, friends and prayer warriors from around the globe cheering him on. The game went into OT for almost four years, ending with an eternal victory rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior on August 23rd, 2013. A fierce competitor on and off the field, BJ lived for Friday Night Football games as a league honored lineman for the Norton Panthers and later as a Muskingum Muskie. He also threw discus and shot-put for Norton at the district level. BJ took second place in the state masonry competition his Senior year. He began Boy Scouts as a cubby, continued through the ranks, earning the prestigious Eagle Scout award. When leukemia took football away, BJ turned to coaching and golf. BJ's life motto was, "Be an athlete" and "Keep pounding" in honor of his other "Panther" team, the Carolina Panthers. BJ was majoring in Pathology at Kent State University with the goal of curing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. BJ's loving family includes his forever proud parents, Basil and Tracy Ranier, best friend and sister Shelby (wonderful brother-in-law, Ross McElroy), "Granny" and "Grandpa Jimmy,"(James and Janice Peckens), his A #1 fans, devoted grandparents Basil and Karen Ranier, great-grandmother Eleanor Ashton, special aunts, Chrissy (Scott Heilig) and Melissa (Brian) Dennis, worlds-best cousins, Cody Meier, Samantha and Riley McGonigal. BJ was blessed with an amazing extended family. BJ never knew a stranger and enjoyed many friends. Lifelong friends are Nate Conway (who stayed loyally fighting with him) and Jordan Edwards. Many coaches impacted BJ's life, especially Coach Dale Allen , Coach Jeremy Hodgekinson and Coach Matt Begert. BJ was to be married in September to his fiancé, love of his life and soul-mate, Deanna Kupar. In the eyes of our Lord, they are married as vows more powerful than words were already spoken as she loved, prayed, and fiercely fought with him. Deanna's family was also BJ's and they are left to honor him. Parents, Chris and Dave Hodge, Father, Daniel Kupar, twin brother, Danny Kupar and Grandparents Warren and Betty Hayes, along with their beloved Labrador, Sandy. There will always be a special place in our hearts for the Staff of G110 and G111 at the Cleveland Clinic. From the housekeepers to the aides and nurses, everyone went above and beyond to provide exceptional and loving care as BJ inspired them with his kindness and humor till the end. BJ was a ferocious fighter and assisting and believing with him was Dr. Matt Kalaycio, for whom we are forever grateful. The family is also thankful to Faith Family Church of Canton as they helped lead us in faith through this journey. Many churches had BJ on their prayer lists and we thank them for standing in faith with us. A private ceremony was held and BJ rests near beloved grandparents at Holy Cross Cemetery. In celebration of his life, BJ wishes for you to enjoy a picnic, walk in the park, draft Cam Newton for him on your fantasy football team, or spend time with family and friends. Memorials may be made to help build Norton's new athletic complex, which honors BJ the football player and Deanna the track star. (Norton City Schools Foundation, memo: Stadium Project, PO Box 1012 Norton Ohio 44203) or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, (888-557-7177), whose research provided the many treatment options available to BJ. BJ would also be honored to save other lives by encouraging you to register to be a marrow donor (bethematch.org). His generous donor from Germany gifted him with two years of love and life. "He dug his heels in and never wavered, no matter the opponent, no matter the disfavor. He grinned and bared it and now he can rest, Forever our hero, forever the best!" BJ's legacy will forever live on in the many hearts that he has touched. Love You Forever BJ! (Anthony, Akron,330.724.1281, anthonyfh.com)