Lt. Colonel John McNeil Lankford (‘Neil’), U.S. Army Retired, passed away on May 18, 2004 at the age of 58. Col. Lankford, a graduate of North Georgia Military College, was a Vietnam Veteran, having served as a combat medic with the 3rd/187 of the 101st Airborne Division. As a medical Service Corps officer and specialist in systems engineering, he made significant contributions to the Army Medical Department during his 23 years of service. Following his military retirement, Col. Lankford continued to work in the Information Technology field. He was a proud member of the Dust-off Association and was active in numerous professional organizations. Neil is survived by Cecilia Lankford, his wife of 35 years; daughters, Anne Marie and Jennifer Lankford; father, Paul McNeil Lankford; brother, Wayne Eliot Lankford; nephew, Paul McEliot Lankford; aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Frank Lankford; and sister-in-law, Cindy Kearns. Col. Lankford was preceded in death by his mother, Anita Lankford. Col. Lankford gave his family the kind of love that makes a difference and lasts a lifetime. His unique humor and selflessness touched all who were privileged to know him.
