James Howard Lankford, 86, of Piggott, died Wednesday, July 20, 2005, in the Piggott Community Hospital.

He was born Sept. 12, 1918, in Rector, the son of the late James Wylie and Callie Foster Lankford.

He was a retired carpenter and custodian for the Piggott School District and was a member of the South Thornton Street Church of Christ in Piggott.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ivalene Vangilder Lankford; one daughter, Glenda Sullivan; one granddaughter, Kristi Small; two brothers, Carl Lankford and Rudy Lankford; and one sister, Lavada Gibson.

He is survived by his wife, Normadene Lankford of Piggott; one son, James Lankford of Searcy; two daughters, Geraldine Wagster of Searcy and Janice Pruett of Rector; one step-son, Charles Morrisett of Piggott; one step-daughter, Carolyn Hollis of Piggott; one brother, Edward Lankford of Valley Station, Ky.; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2005, in the Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Richard Akins and Willie Sandlin officiating. Burial followed in Purcell Cemetery in Rector. Active pallbearers were John Brawner, Jason Williams, Brent Coomer, Kent Coomer, Ken Roden and Terry Cox. Honorary pallbearers included Bob and Charlotte Hampton, Alex and Sandra Routszong, C.C. Edwards, Donnie and Verna Blake, Dennis and Stacy Blake, Bob and Betty Tidwell, and Terry and JoAnn McLeskey.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements.