John Pierce Lankford, age 60, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on August 28, 2025. He was born on January 11, 1965, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Juanita Lankford.  He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Lankford Shell (George), Mike Lankford (Karin), and David Lankford (Dave Perkins); nieces and nephews Jenny Smith (Nathan), Trey Shell, Amy Lankford Baird (Erick), and Robert Lankford; along with many extended family members and friends who have always wished him well.

John enjoyed creative writing and authored several novelettes spanning true crime and science fiction. In his youth he was known for his high energy, mischievousness, and humor. Among his many quips, his nieces and nephews especially loved hearing him say, "I'm hanging in like a hair in a biscuit."

John will be cremated, and the immediate family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

In honor of his love for animals, donations may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741. https://bestfriends.org/sanctuary