Forrest Gray Lankford

Chesapeake - Forrest Gray Lankford, 84 passed away in Port St. Lucie, FL on Aug. 2, 2013. He was born in Norfolk, VA on July 5, 1929 to the late Thelma and Louis Lankford Sr. Mr. Lankford was a graduate of Maury High School and attended the College of William & Mary. He proudly served his country in the VA Army National Guard and was active duty during the Korean Conflict serving 2 years until he was honorably discharged. Mr. Lankford worked for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co., which became AT&T, where he worked as a lineman, senior lineman, and CPX technician. From 1989 – 1992, he was a Captain and Company Commander of VA Defense Force. Mr. Lankford had a passion for flying. He was a private pilot, commercial pilot, agriculture pilot, and a certified flight instructor, teaching out of the S. Norfolk Airport. He enjoyed participating in the QB’s flight organization. Mr. Lankford was an active member of Rosemont Christian Church, where he delighted in singing in the choir.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret Ann Lankford; daughter, Jean O’Neal Saunders and her husband Gene; sister, Barbara Spence; sister-in-law, Jean Lankford; grandsons, Walter W. Bank IV and his wife Laura and Daryl G. Bank and his wife Catrina; great-grandchildren, Regan, Chelsae, Mason, Jackson, and Vivian; great-great grandson, Aidan; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Louis Lankford Jr.; and brother-in-law, Paris Spence.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sun. Aug. 11, 2013 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Mon. Aug. 12, 2013 at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Gerard K. Kilyk. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Project Lifesaver International or Rosemont Christian Church. You may pay condolences to the family www.kellumfuneralhome.com.