Richard G. Lankford Sr., 74, of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away at SECU Hospice House Thursday, August 06, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation and preparation arrangements by McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton.
Richard was born October 20, 1946, in Washington, NC the son of Joseph Roy and Evelyn Theola Lankford. After graduating high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy, honorably serving his country for 4 years before returning to civilian life. Meeting Fay Parker in the summer of 1970 and marrying her in 1971 was the start of a marriage that endured for the remainder of his life. Richard spent 20+ years living and working in Saudi Arabia as a Cost Engineer and was widely recognized as an expert in his profession and was still being sought after by companies from around the world years after retiring. Richard loved traveling to, and seeing new places completing three trips around the world during his life. He had a fondness for trying exotic food, fine watches and playing golf with his friends.
Richard is survived by his wife, Fay Lankford of Clayton; his son, Greg (Sarah) Lankford of Conway, SC and their children, Matthew (Elizabeth) and Megan; his daughter Kellie (Lucas) Lankford-Smith of Clayton and her son Graham; siblings; Kathy (Tony) Taylor of Williamston, NC, Susan (James) Long of Roper, NC, Miles (Amy) of Charlottesville, VA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Theola Lankford and by his youngest sister, Joanna Allen of Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mission 22 (https://mission22.com/give) or Hospice House in Richard’s name at https://www.johnstonhealth.org/donate/make-a-donation/
"Fly Me to the Moon"
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