Bob Lankford died on July 20, 2022 after a battle with cancer, which he faced with grace and dignity. He was born in Elkin, North Carolina to Robert Hamilton Lankford, Jr. and Elizabeth Church Lankford..

Bob graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1963 with a BA in English.  He worked as a copy editor and supervisor for J. C. Penney in New York City, retiring after 20 years.  He enjoyed his retirement in Elkin, where he pursued his interests in art, music and film, and indulged in his love of reading and correspondence.  He contributed to the community through volunteer work with the Elkin Public Library and Feed the Elderly.

Bob is survived by brothers Barry Lankford (Becky) of Greensboro and John Lankford (Lynda) of Raleigh, and two generations of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for the family is planned. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date .In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 340 Hawthorne Road, Elkin, NC 28621 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 968 N. Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621 .

On line condolences may be made at www.jkennedyfsl.com .  John Kennedy, funeral director is assisting the Lankford family with funeral arrangements.