William "Billy" Dehass Lankford

Billy Lankford, 92, passed away at Jackson Medical Center on Monday, May 22, 2023. Billy was born May 11, 1931, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Harry and Ludie Lankford. Moving at an early age to Wagarville, Billy later joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Smyrna, Tennessee, when he met his future wife, Peggy Harvey. They were married for 67 years until her passing in May of 2022, and lived in Wagarville.

Billy worked at Ciba Geigy in the maintenance department until his retirement. Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with Peggy, and all of the family get-togethers. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Billy’s most cherished title was being “BB” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of Wagarville Baptist Church.

Billy was a resident of the Meadows in Jackson, Alabama, at the time of his passing. He had many friends among the residents and staff there and will be greatly missed by them.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Peggy, whom he loved dearly, infant son Thomas Wayne Lankford, parents Harry and Ludie Lankford, sisters Gladys Foster, Betty Keith, Jack Foster, Jeanette Perry, and his brother Tilford Lankford.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Christy (Keith) Ikner of Leroy, granddaughter Shanna (Joey) Cooper of Gainestown, grandson Greg (Jessica) Ikner of Vestavia Hills, great-grandsons Ty Cooper, Jett Ikner, and Jones Ikner, and sisters Jimmie Griffin of Wagarville, Kate (Joe) Johnston of Fairhope, sister-in-law Peggy Sue Lankford of Chickasaw, and special nephews Alan (Marcia) Keith and Steve (Jackie) Griffin of Hobson, along with many other special nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

Special thanks go out to the Jackson Medical nurses and staff.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at Wagarville Baptist Church followed by the funeral service at 11:00. Interment will be at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Wagarville.

Pallbearers will be Greg Ikner, Alan Keith, Steve Griffin, Dusty Johnston, Denny Johnston, and Joey Cooper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Walter Tew and Aaron Odom.

Services will be conducted by Bro. Bill Dortch, Lynn Pace, and Joe Johnston. St. Stephens Funeral Home will direct.

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