Roy Lankford

Private graveside services for Roy Lankford, 91, of Lufkin will be held in Whitehouse Cemetery.

Mr. Lankford was born January 21, 1934 in Trevat, Texas and passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025 in Wells, Texas. Roy led a life defined by hard work and service to his family, community and country.

Roy served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict (1952-1955). While on leave in 1954, he married the love of his life, Dorothy, beginning a 70-year partnership of love and commitment. After his military service, Roy and Dorothy settled in Lufkin, Texas, where he worked for 34 years at the paper mill. Before his retirement in 1989, he worked as a foreman on Machines 1 and 2, overseeing the daily production of tons of newsprint.

Though dedicated to his job, Roy’s real passion was gardening. During his free time, he cultivated tomatoes, corn, purple hull peas and every kind of green, often selling his produce from the back porch of their home. He enjoyed working the land and making connections with others through his produce. Gardening was a cherished part of his life until he began battling dementia at the age of 87.

Roy was a faithful and devoted member of Fourth & Groesbeck church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Dorothy (Neyland) Lankford of Lufkin; his son, Jason Lankford, and wife, Holly, of Nacogdoches; brother, Hilton Lankford and wife, Patricia, of Beaverton, Oregon; sister, Annette Sowell and husband, Sony, of Nacogdoches; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Bessie (Hollis) Lankford; and his siblings, Fannie Perry, Wallace Lankford, Hubert Lankford Jr., Margie Westmoreland, and L.P. Lankford.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.