## Narrative Summary of the Obituary

Earl Benjamin Lankford Jr, born 03 Aug 1952 in Newport News, died Jan 2020. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1970, attended Christopher Newport College, and worked as an electrician. He retired as partner and Senior Project Manager at Harbor Construction.

## Narrative Summary of Funeral Services

A Celebration of Life Service was held on 18 Jan 2020 at 11:00 AM at Westhampton Baptist Church, 631 Aberdeen Rd, Hampton, VA 23661. A family visitation followed immediately after the service in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.

## Transcript

Earl Benjamin Lankford Jr

3 August 1952 - January 2020

Earl B. Lankford, Jr. 

Earl Benjamin Lankford, Jr passed away peacefully at home after a valiant battle with Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. Earl was born in Newport News in 1952. His family purchased a home in Greenwood Farms where he made lifelong friends and memories.

He joined Westhampton Baptist Church in 1959. He attended Hampton High School and transferred to Bethel High School where in graduated in 1970, the Original Class. He was in choir throughout his school years. He went to Christopher Newport College and joined Chi Psi Omega, a group that still meets together. Baseball and Softball was one of his passions and he played for Westhampton and later rec league Guthrie's Lunch.

A friend urged him to try Community Theater and he appeared in several local productions; his favorite was playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He was working with B Wills Lee Contracting Co when he met his soon to be wife JoAnn and together, they made a lifetime of memories. He became a journeyman Electrician and joined Eastern Electric that he and the partners purchased to form Harbor Construction. He retired as partner and Senior Project Manager. He was an integral part of the rising success of Harbor and was well respected by his peers.

He valued the long term friendships that he had in his personal and professional life. They were on display throughout his illness by the many cards he received. A friend commented that he was loved and that was something that he could take with him into the next life. He was preceded by his father Earl Benjamin Lankford and his sister Paula Lankford. He is survived by his mother Verma McCormic Lankford, his wife JoAnn Kell Lankford, sisters Nancy Smith (Tom), Gloria McDaniels, Dianne Bell (Steve), Kathi Christiansen, many Nieces and Nephews and their children, and his God daughter Cari Tretina.

The family wishes to thank their friends and neighbors Mike and Melina Bouley for all their care and comfort during Earls Illness. They are proof that angels walk among us. There will be a Celebration of Life Service on 18 January 2020 at 11:00 AM at Westhampton Baptist Church 631 Aberdeen Rd Hampton, VA 23661. A family visitation will be held immediately after the service in the Fellowship Hall of the Church. In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider contributions to a Cancer Organization of your choosing.

Mr. Cancer has been around for thousands of years and despite all the brilliant research he still manages to sneak into our bodies, avoid the treatment and win. We have to fight back.

Publication data: Newport News, Virginia, Daily Press, 12 January 2020, Page A10

## Vital Statistics Summary

| Field   | Data                        |
|---------|-----------------------------|
| Name:   | Earl Benjamin Lankford Jr   |
| Age:    | Unknown                     |
| Birth:  | 3 August 1952; Newport News |
| Death:  | January 2020;               |
## Table of Relationships

| Name                       | Relationship         | Residence     |
|----------------------------|----------------------|---------------|
| Earl Benjamin Lankford Jr  | Decedent             | Not specified |
| Earl Benjamin Lankford     | Father (predeceased) | Not specified |
| Paula Lankford             | Sister (predeceased) | Not specified |
| Verma McCormic Lankford    | Mother               | Not specified |
| JoAnn Kell Lankford        | Wife                 | Not specified |
| Nancy Smith                | Sister               | Not specified |
| Tom Smith                  | Brother-in-law       | Not specified |
| Gloria McDaniels           | Sister               | Not specified |
| Dianne Bell                | Sister               | Not specified |
| Steve Bell                 | Brother-in-law       | Not specified |
| Kathi Christiansen         | Sister               | Not specified |
| Cari Tretina               | Goddaughter          | Not specified |
| Mike Bouley                | Friend/Neighbor      | Not specified |
| Melina Bouley              | Friend/Neighbor      | Not specified |
## Publication Details

| Field         | Data                   |
|---------------|------------------------|
| Newspaper     | Daily Press            |
| Location      | Newport News, Virginia |
| Date          | 12 January 2020        |
| Page          | A10                    |
## Other Relevant Information

Earl Benjamin Lankford Jr was born in Newport News in 1952. He joined Westhampton Baptist Church in 1959. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1970 and attended Christopher Newport College. He played baseball and softball for Westhampton and later for rec league Guthrie's Lunch. He worked as a journeyman Electrician and retired as partner and Senior Project Manager at Harbor Construction. He was involved in Community Theater and played Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He passed away in January 2020 after battling Stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer.