Johnny Clayton Lankford

Johnny Clayton Lankford a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, with family by his side. He was born on September 1, 1934, to the late Bryant Carson Lankford and Callie Harris Lankford. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bryant Lankford and Ned Lankford; his sisters, Ruby Kenyon and Marie Patton. He was a long-time member of Lebanon Methodist Church.

Survivors are his wife of over 71 1/2 years, Kay Sykes Lankford, they were married July 24, 1954. They were best friends and partners and had a very blessed and happy life together. His son, Bryon Kurt Lankford and wife, Lorna. His daughter, Beverly Kris Evans. His granddaughters, Sarah Carson Lankford and Breanna Kay Evans; and his great granddaughter, Endiya Rose Springfield. He loved his family very much and was so proud of them and was a supporter of all their endeavors.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Germany. His professional life was marked with success with Western Electric, Technitrol, Walter Kidde, General Electric, and retiring from the United States Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He achieved numerous goals over the span of his life including a second home at Holden Beach, NC for nearly two decades, where he enjoyed boating and fishing with friends and family. He enjoyed hunting with his nephews, golf, and coaching Kris in softball. He enjoyed restoring old cars and going to car shows with Kurt. He loved driving his show cars in the local parades. He enjoyed going to the Friday night races at Ace Speedway with his good friend, Max. He was also an avid baseball fan of the Atlanta Braves. He loved listening to music especially Gospel, watching Western movies and napping on his front porch swing.

His greatest joys were spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters and great granddaughter.

A visitation will be held to honor his life on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 1:30pm-3:30pm at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane. A private burial will take place immediately after.