John Christopher Lanford

Hazel was one of eight Heisler siblings born and raised in Atlanta, and John grew up immersed in a large extended family filled with cousins, aunts, and uncles. Family reunions on Jekyll Island and time spent at his grandmother’s home on Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points became treasured constants throughout his life.

John and his family were longtime members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Midtown Atlanta. He cherished his years in the church’s youth groups, where faith, friendship, and family life were always closely intertwined. He continued in his life-long journey as a faithful Christian.

Growing up in and around greater Decatur, John proudly attended Avondale High School before playing baseball at DeKalb College. His love for the game never faded. At age 27, he earned a free-agent tryout with his hometown Atlanta Braves at Fulton County Stadium, where coaches famously told him he was “a little long in the tooth” to begin a professional career — a story John told often and with humor.

During the Vietnam War era, John volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving honorably from 1966 to 1972. Though his unit was activated several times, it was never deployed overseas. John carried lifelong respect for Vietnam veterans and consistently expressed gratitude for their service.

In 1973, John began a multi-decade career in the record business, starting in sales & promotions with Capitol Records. Changing labels in the late 70’s, John enjoyed a storied career at Polygram Records, proudly becoming National Salesman of the Year 1979 - under sub-labels such as RSO, Casablanca & Polydor / Sony Music Publishing & Universal Music Group, John had the opportunity to meet, work with & promote artists like Bob Seger, The Bee Gees & Cher. Ultimately, John retired from the music industry in the late 90’s - after a decade with MCA / MCA Nashville, continuing to work with artists from Elton John & Tom Petty to an array of 80s & 90s Country Music artists like Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, & Vince Gill.

John and Trish married in 1982 and moved to East Cobb in Marietta, GA. with his three children, Abby, Blake and Jeff; later having another son, Ryan, in 1985.

John’s greatest loves were his family, the game of baseball and his numerous Bassett hounds. He played, coached, and instructed baseball for many years, influencing countless young athletes. His sons and many of his players advanced to compete at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson, Isaac.

John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Trish Lanford; daughter, Abby Lanford; sons, Blake Lanford, Jeff Lanford, and Ryan Lanford; daughter-in-law, Elisabeth Lanford; brother, Mark Lanford; sister-in-law, Krista Lanford; and grandchildren CeeJay, Karagan, Harrison, Emily, Olivia, Mack, Lily, and another grandson expected in June 2026, plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins.