Mr William Ormand Lankford Sr's Obituary
Graveside Service for Mr. William Ormand Lankford, Sr., 91, of Alexander City, will be Monday, May 4, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Hillview Memorial Park. Pastor Dick Stark will officiate. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 4, 2026 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at Radney Funeral Home.
Mr. Lankford, Sr., affectionately known as Billy, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026, at the age of 91.
Born on December 16, 1934, in Columbus, Georgia to Ormand Hugo Lankford and Lela Lucille Melton Lankford, Billy lived a life marked by faith, devotion, hard work, and love for his family. He was a Christian man whose life reflected the values he held dear, and he was a faithful member of Faith Temple. His steady presence, kind spirit, and humble heart touched the lives of many who knew him.
Billy was a proud graduate of Auburn University, where he earned his Engineering Degree. He went on to serve as a Chemist for Uniroyal for many years, where he was respected for his dedication, intelligence, and strong work ethic. He approached his career with the same integrity and commitment that he brought to every part of his life.
Outside of his work, Billy enjoyed many simple and meaningful pleasures. He was an avid Auburn Athletics fan and followed his team with great enthusiasm. He also loved cars, especially tinkering with them, and found joy in the satisfaction of working with his hands. He enjoyed watching old westerns on television, appreciating the stories, values, and timeless spirit they portrayed. One of his greatest joys was traveling in his RV with his family all across the country, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.
Above all else, Billy loved his family. He cherished time spent with them and held a special place in his heart for his extended family as well. His love was steady and sincere, and he was blessed to be surrounded by those who loved him in return. His family will remember him for his strength, his faith, his gentle humor, and the many ways he showed his care through both words and actions.
Billy’s life was a testimony to perseverance, devotion, and Christian faith. Though he will be deeply missed, those who loved him take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.
He is survived by his grandchildren, James (Regina) Lauderdale of Alexander City and Michael Boyd Lemmond of Decatur, GA; great-grandchildren, Emily Lauderdale and Hunter Lauderdale, both of Alexander City; sister, Jean Lauderdale of Alexander City; brother-in-law, Lynn Royall of Alexander City.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nettie Lou Lankford; son, William Ormand Lankford, Jr.; daughter, Sharon Lankford Smith; grandson, William "Will" Lankford, III; sister, Nelda Royall; and daughter-in-law, Mary Lankford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://donorservices.alz.org.
Memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Ormand Lankford, Sr.
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