Tillman James "TJ" Lankford, 93, passed away on February 9, 2019. He was born on September 9, 1925 in Ambrose, GA to Charles and Julia Lankford. He proudly served in the US Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1950, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. TJ married Mary Helen Murphy on November 24, 1951. They settled in Arlington where they raised their five children and were founding members of Christ the King Parish.

TJ had a long career in pharmaceutical sales, 30 years with GlaxoSmithKline building strong relationships in the medical community in the area. He enjoyed golf, fishing, camping and following sports, especially Gator football. He and Mary went to as many home games as possible.

In retirement he and Mary enjoyed traveling across the country in their camper, making many new friends along the way.

TJ was preceded in death by his devoted wife Mary, his daughter Kathleen Fischer, his sister Epsie Erickson, son-in-law Charles Fischer, and his parents. He is survived by daughters Theresa Currell and Peggy Lankford of Jacksonville, and Margie (Dennis) Schmitt, Bedford, TX, and his son Jim (Maria) Lankford of Palm Harbor, FL; seven grandchildren, Rebecca, Mark (Jenny) and James Currell; Kelli (James) Cooney and Austin (Alicia) Fischer, and Joe and John Lankford, one great-grandchild Hudson Fischer; a brother, Charles Lankford of Nederland TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 742 Arlington Road North, Jacksonville, FL on Thursday February 14 at 11:00 am with Rev. James R. Boddie, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Arlington Park Cemetery 6920 Lone Star Road, where military honors will be rendered.  A reception will be held at the church following the committal service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Southside assisted living facility, Brookdale Cypress Village Rehabilitation, and Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for their compassionate care of TJ over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in TJ's honor.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384 . Please sign the family's online guestbook at ArlingtonParkFuneralHome.com