Augustus (Gus) Fredrick Lankford, 93, of Eatonton, GA died on December 24, 2024 in Macon, GA.
He was born in Eatonton on May 26, 1931 to Heddie and Charlie Lankford. He was the third youngest of Heddie and Charlie's five children (Blanche, Jewell, Gus, Audrey, and Margaret). Gus was also part of a blended family with a total of 20 children. He is survived by his half sister Elsie Lankford Ellington. He attended Florence School as a child where he chopped the wood and built the fires for class. As a young boy, Gus was the Putnam County Marble Shooting Champion but could not compete regionally. He later attended school in town at the Eatonton School.
Gus served in the U.S. Army at 18 years old and was Corporal in 1949.
After serving time in the army, he returned home and took over his father's dairy business. He worked as a dairymen for decades. In the 60's, Gus was also a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Allison in Putnam County.
Following this, Gus began his long career of driving for Horton Homes in 1983,and retired in 2008.
He was a devoted Christian and one of the founding members of Liberty Chapel in 1977.
Gus married Patricia Eugenia Hicks (1939-2022) in 2022 they celebrated 52 years of marriage together.
Gus had one daughter, Geni Clause, and two stepdaughters, Robin Pettigrew and Sally Hill.
He leaves behind many grandchildren: Jermey Gunnells, Alexandra Mccant, Christopher Hill, Emme Clause, and Colin Clause.
He was known and loved by many, and will be greatly missed. His good humor and fun-loving spirit will be forever remembered by his family and friends.
