Eugene T. Lankford

Eugene Thomas Lankford, 83, passed away March 15, 2012 at Hospice Hadlow Center. Born January 28, 1929 in Davenport, Florida to parents Ben F. Lankford and Bernice Baker. He lived most of his life in Jacksonville, Florida.

Gene was full of fun and will mostly be remembered for his sense of humor, witty charm and tall tales. He loved to boat and fish, but his passion was fast cars and races. He was a big NASCAR fan. His buddies will remember him for his exceptional mechanical abilities. He was a master mechanic and built race engines and dragsters in his younger years both for a living and as a hobby. He had many top record holders, national titles among them. His long time friends and customers would tell you if Gene built an engine it would be a winner and last for years. A lot of his old friends will remember him from his drag racing days as the sport progressed from the streets to sanctioned races at Speedway Park, Brannan‘s Airfield and then to the first ¼ mile track at Thunderbolt Raceway. His influence and presence was well known in this sport and I’m sure his peers have plenty of memories and stories to tell of those first days of racing in Jacksonville, Daytona and surrounding areas. His in- between years he worked with his friends, Ellis, Harold, and Steve Warren of Warren Motors and Natureform. He later retired as a foreman from St. Regis.

He was devoted to his wife, June, for 65 years. Thirty four years ago he gave his heart to the Lord and became a member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God. His Pastor, Garry Wiggins, performed the Eulogy at his memorial in the Hospice Chapel with his family and closest friends in attendance.

He is survived by his wife, June Lankford, his daughters; Deborah Wehnes (Howard), and Cynthia Eicher, his grandchildren; Lisa Galen, Christina Hardy, and Jim Johnson, his great-grandchildren; Brooke Larimore, Andrew Larimore, and Dalton Johnson; his sister Edna Phillips. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Eugene Johnson.

We know he is with God and at peace, but we will miss him greatly. We are extremely grateful to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Hadlow Center for their excellent care and the consideration they gave to the family during this difficult time. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice if desired.

A Dignified Alternative-Hatcher Cremations (904) 260-2522