Chief Paul H. Lankford

Chief Paul H. Lankford age 89 of Maryville passed away Friday, August 22, 2008 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Paul was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church. As a member of the 27th Bombardment Group, he was a Veteran of U.S. Air Force serving in World War II and the Air National Guard with 42 years of service. He was a survivor of the Bataan Death March in the Philippine Islands and in a Japanese prison camp for 3� years. He served as Commandant of the NCO Academy @ McGhee Tyson Air Force Base. He was a member of New Providence Masonic Lodge and Alcoa Kiwanis. Preceded in death by: Son, Gary Paul Lankford; Sister, Willie Walters. Survivors include: Loving wife of 62 years, Edna Lankford; Son & Daughter-in-law, John C. & Penny Lankford of Sevierville; Daughter & Son-in-law, Marlene & L.A. Ezell of Knoxville; Daughter, Elaine Lankford of Maryville; Grandchildren, Natalie Schultz, Nicole Ezell, Adam Ezell, Kira Lankford, Joe Lankford, Summer Lankford; Great-Grandchildren, Allie, Tristen, Branson, Savannah, Kayla, Drew, Bree; Brother, Cecil Lankford of Alabama; Sister, Louise Bailey of Alabama; several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Rev. Susan L. Anderson officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens for the entombment with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to: Gideon International, Blount County South Camp, PO Box 4035, Maryville, TN 37802-4035. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Chief Paul H. Lankford please visit our Sympathy Store.