ROBERT GARLAND LANKFORD

Robert Garland Lankford, 72, of Decatur, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, at his home.

Garland was born on Feb. 3, 1945, to John and Francis Lankford. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, John, Ralph, and Dock Lankford and sister, Iva Porter.

He is survived by one brother, Bill Lankford, and one sister, Faye Akens. He graduated from Meigs County High School in 1962. On Dec. 24, 1969, he married Marilyn Gay Galyon.

Garland dearly loved his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Poppy) and uncle.

He is also survived by his wife, Gay Galyon Lankford; one son, Jason Lankford, his wife, Doddie, and their two children, Audrey and Luke; one daughter, Dr. Alicia Lankford Laffoon, her husband, David, and their three children, Thomas, Katherine and Caroline.

Garland retired from Combustion Engineering in Chattanooga, prior to serving as Meigs County Executive for three terms between 1986 and 1998 and returning to office in 2010 as County Mayor. He truly loved Meigs County and its people. Meigs County has lost one of its most faithful servants.

He enjoyed his work in wrought iron and farming cattle. Accordingly, he worked the day he passed away. Those who knew him would agree that he would have been proud to depart this world while doing what he loved.

Visitation will be held at Pisgah Baptist Church, located at 478 Pisgah Academy Road in Decatur, on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m., with a celebration of life service to follow with the Rev. Herman Jordan and the Rev. Victor Abernathy officiating.

Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens has been entrusted with the care of Robert Garland Lankford.