Billy Lankford

He was born May 31, 1934, in Bessemer City, NC to the late Herbert Charles Lankford and Mary Virginia Carson Lankford.

Bill enjoyed and had a strong passion and interest in watching all kinds of racing especially NASCAR and Formula 1, studying gemology and making crafted gems for his late wife Sarah “Alice”, family members and friends. Bill was an incredible originator in creating plans to make anything metal or wood such as bird feeders and houses, floor pans for automobiles and anything he so desired to make. Bill was an avid reader of the interests he pursued such as the Civil War and loved nature as well as contributing to different state parks and worthy and honorable foundations. He LOVED riding through Kings Mountain State Park and Military park, as he felt a connection to that place with members of both sides of his family fighting in the American Revolutionary War there. Bill had strong family values and loved the church and Christ. Bill served in the Navy for 4 years as a radio technician and was in the reserves for about 10. He received the national defense service medal as well as the Good conduct medal and was Honorably discharged in January of 1957 from active duty. He was employed as an engineer for 40 years at Homelite/John Deere factory in Gastonia/Charlotte and was a founding member of the Cotton Ginning Days Agricultural festival in Dallas, NC. In retirement, Bill could be found wearing his beloved “iconic” overalls every day of his later life. He really enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and loved being around friends and family. Bill was deeply and affectionately loved by all who knew him. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and lived each day to its fullest (even in sickness). Bill will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his four daughters; Leta Mendoza (Adam) of Jacksonville, Fla., Libby Clark (Dan) of Martinsburg, Pa., Laura Lankford Medlin (Eddie) of Mebane, NC and Linda Tobey (John) of Matthews; five grandchildren, Addison, Baillie, Savannah, Zach and Josh, and seven Great-grandchildren. His sister Sarah Lankford Carpenter of Gastonia and Mary Grant Lankford of Bessemer City. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sarah “Alice” Wilson Lankford of 52 years, as well as a daughter, Sue Annette, his parents Herbert Charles Lankford and Mary Virginia Carson Lankford, as well as brothers Herbert Charles, JR, Fred Lankford and Sister Freida Lankford Moses.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 12th with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054. The Funeral service will be at Carothers Funeral Home on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00 with graveside service to follow at Gaston Memorial Park at 1200 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St June foundation for cancer research for children.

Condolences and fond memories may be offered at Dignitymemorial.com