John Lankford, Jr.

John Lankford, Jr., age 57, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Atrium Health-Charlotte.

John was born Wednesday, August 20, 1969 in Cleveland County to Sandra Roberson who resides in Forest City and to the late John David Lankford, Sr. He was a graduate of Burns High School, class of 1987. John worked many years in the food service industry as a cook. He also worked at a pawn shop in gun sales. His life’s work was as a caregiver for his family and was the primary chauffeur for his kids and grandkids. John enjoyed watching pro-wrestling and was an avid Dallas Cowboys and UNC Tar Heels fan.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Z.D. and Ruth Jones.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of thirty-one years, Kerry Deyton Lankford; daughter, Alicia Lankford (Brian) of Ellenboro; son, Tyler Lankford of Ellenboro; his mother, Sandra Roberson (Royce) of Forest City; sisters, Wendy Lankford of Campobello, SC and Amy Jones Camby of Union Mills; brother, Naris Lankford of Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Clara Allen and Jameson Allen; aunts, Jean Lankford, Robin Campbell (Bones); uncle, David Jones (Cynthia) all of Shelby and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of John’s life and reception will be held from 12:00 until 3:00 pm at the Pleasant City Church, 1146 County Home Road, Shelby, NC 28152.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org , Disabled American Veterans, help.dav.org or to the Autism Society, www.autismsociety.org