John “Raymond” Lankford, Sr., 90, of Solomons Island, MD passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.

Raymond was born on January 12, 1926 in Solomons Island, MD to the late Frederick and Agnes “Amy” Lankford. Born and raised on Solomons Island for 90 years. He married his beloved wife Betty in 1945 and they raised their ten children. He served as a member for sixty years at the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department where he held the past position of president for twelve years. He also served as past president for the Southern Maryland Firemen’s Association. He was a lifetime parish member at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons Island, MD where he and his wife Betty are the longest living parish members.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Agnes “Amy”; brothers, Frederick, Gordon, and Jim Lankford; sisters, Sylvia Woodall and Betty Lou Curran; and sons, Richard and William “Eddie” Lankford.

He is survived by his loving wife Betty of 71 years; children, Irene Carroll (Tommy), John Lankford, Sr., Raymond Lankford, Betty Norris (Johnny), Charlene Lankford, Frederick Lankford, Maurice Lankford (Wanda), and Joseph Lankford (Kathy); sister, Patricia O’Rourke (Richard); twenty four grandchildren; and thirty four great-grandchildren.