Lester Lanford

Lester Keestler Lanford II (Lanny), 52, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Born in Winston Salem, NC, he was the son of Linda Nichols Lanford and the late Lester Keestler Lanford, Sr.

Lanny and his father were owners of Lanny's Lawn Service, which served Gaston County faithfully for twenty years. Since the young age of 10, Lanny loved cutting grass. He was a familiar sight on the lawns of many Gaston County residents. He is remembered fondly as a dedicated and hard worker.

Throughout his life, Lanny remained a devoted Christian and could often be seen reading from a Bible. He never met a stranger. He made friends with everyone he came in contact with. He especially enjoyed spending time with the friends he made at the Life Enrichment Center in Kings Mountain, NC. If not around friends or reading scripture, Lanny spent his time watching sports. His preferred sport to watch was basketball and his favorite team was the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tarheels.

Lanny is survived by his mother and sister, Lisa D Lanford of Gastonia; aunt Judy N. Wedemeyer of Kings Mountain, NC; nephew Brandon L. Smith of Woodstock, IL; nieces Lauren B. Smith and Lexia B. Smith of Gastonia; great niece Lilith J. Johnson of Gastonia; cousin Kimberly F. Humphries of Gastonia; and uncle and aunt Gerald and Jane Lanford of York, SC. In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his infant brother; grandparents Hubert and Sarah Glenn Nichols of Gastonia; and Claude and Tommie Lanford of Bessemer City, NC.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Gaston Memorial Park. The family requests that all attending the service please wear masks and social distance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Life Enrichment Center at 222 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service.