Ralph Edward Lankford

Ralph Edward Lankford, age 59, a resident of Niota, passed away on Sunday April 24, 2016 at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. He was a native of Meigs Co. and was a son of the late John "J.L." and Kattie Berry Lankford. He was of the Christian Faith. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, listed above, and two brothers, Clyde Lee Lankford and Ivan Lankford.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Wanda Goins Lankford of Niota, two daughters and sons-in-law, Evelyn and Kevin Cole of Niota, and Tonia and Danny Roberts of Athens, four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ernest and Debbie Lankford, J.C. and Nina Lankford, Freddie Lankford, and Clarence Lankford all of Decatur, and two sisters, Louise Willis of Athens and Clara Mae Robinson of Sweetwater. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jessica Cole, Michelle Cole, Dylan Cole, Brandon Roberts, and Tanner Roberts and several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 28, 2016 in the Chapel of Bowers Funeral Home with Rev. Scotty Bales officiating. Interment will follow in the Sullins Cemetery in Athens with Danny Roberts, Brandon Roberts, Kevin Cole, Brannon Johnson, Matthew Lankford, Melvin Coleman, Chuck Dockery, and Dennis Hall serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 pm, Wednesday, April 27,2016 at Bowers Funeral Home.