Morris Wolfe Rannels, affectionately known as “Slim” among friends, was born in Rowenna, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 1915, to Oscar Von and Minnie (Wolfe). He attended Maytown High School near Lancaster, PA from which he graduated in 1933 as the Senior Class President. He graduated in 1938 from Millersville University, also referred to as Millersville PA State Teaching College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Mr. Rannels began teaching Mathematics at Annapolis High School in 1938 but he left the position in 1941 to enlist in the U.S. Navy. In the year of 1942, he married Norma (Jensen) and together, over the course of their 65 year marriage had six children, 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In 1946, Mr. Rannels returned to teaching Mathematics at Annapolis High School. He received his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Maryland in 1948. It was also during this time that Mr. Rannels did advanced work at the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University. Mr. Rannels took a position in Anne Arundel County as the Director of Transportation from 1948 to1950, then as the supervisor of planning and purchasing from 1950 to 1952. Mr. Rannels took the position in 1952 as a Superintendent of Cecil County Public Schools where over the course of eight years he oversaw the construction of ten new schools. He left that position in 1960, moving to Ellicott City, and was appointed the Coordinator of Safety and Pupil Transportation of the Public Schools of Maryland until his retirement in 1978.

Mr. Rannels relocated to Clearwater, Florida, where he spent his time with his family and friends. He passed away September 25, 2007; he was 92.