Dr. John Christopher Lankford III

1937-2023

Dr. John Christopher Lankford III, of Auburn, AL, passed away on November 12, 2023, at East Alabama Medical Center. He is at home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dr. Lankford was born in Birmingham, AL on September 29, 1937, to the late John Christopher Lankford Jr., and Jewell Aders Lankford. He graduated from Woodlawn High School, Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fish and Allied Aquacultures, and a Master of Science degree in Zoology/Entomology, and the University of Alabama, Birmingham with a PhD in Molecular Biology.

Dr. Lankford's career in biomedical research afforded opportunities to live in Dallas, Mobile, Tampa, Chicago, and San Francisco. In semi-retirement, he returned to Auburn to work for the Auburn University Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in the offices of Development, and later the Medical School at UAB. He continued his involvement in medical research and advancement well into his eighties as Chairman of the Borad of PNP Enterprises.

An outdoorsman at heart, he was content when gardening, hunting, or fishing. Also a life-long learner, he had a great interest in history, and a passion for automobiles. He loved a good meal and enjoyed sharing his favorite restaurants with friends. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Opelika and loved his church family. Above all else, he loved the Lord, his family, and his friends.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marion Stephens Lankford, three children; Jennifer Lankford Dempsey (Lee), Christa Lankford Gaddy (Greg), John Christopher Lankford, IV (Loren), and six grandchildren; Mari Miles Dempsey, Wesley and William Gaddy, Jewell, Emily, and Jonah Lankford.

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." -John 11:25

A service celebrating Dr. Lankford's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Opelika on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1:00pm. Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in memorial may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Opelika, 900 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL 36801, or Big Oak Ranch, 6000 Shelley Dr, Springville, AL 35146.