COLUMBIA. . .William Davis “Billy” Lanford, Jr., a resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in a Dothan hospital surrounded by loved ones. He was 75.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. (CDT) Friday, March 27, 2026, in the First Baptist Church of Columbia with Pastor Vann Cooley officiating and a eulogy to be given by Mike Bynum. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 A.M. Friday in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the Columbia City Cemetery. Holman-Headland Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Columbia, P.O. Box 267, Columbia, AL 36319 or the Columbia Historical Society for the restoration of Columbia Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 335, Columbia, AL 36319.
Billy Lanford was a lifelong resident of Columbia, son of the late William Davis “Bill” Lanford, Sr. and Miriam Killingsworth Lanford. He was a 1968 graduate of Houston County High School in Columbia. Billy attended Troy University where he received a BS Degree in Finance and later a Masters Degree in Accounting from Troy University-Dothan. Billy was currently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the First State Banks. In earlier years, he served as President of the Bank of Columbia and PeoplesSouth Bank both in Columbia. Billy served in banking in Blakely and Columbia for a total of fifty-four years.
Billy was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbia where he served as a Deacon, as a member of the Finance Committee and Trustee. He was a member of the Columbia Lions Club, Columbia Historical Society, Early County Rotary Club and formerly served as President of the Early County Chamber of Commerce. Billy was an avid hunter who found peace in the woods. He loved collecting guns, guitars, bows and arrows, turkey calls and knives. Billy was a master at cutting grass and bush hogging which he took great pride in. He had an undying love and devotion for his wife and two daughters. Billy was especially proud of his five grandchildren whom he often bragged about. Kate, man’s best friend, was his beloved and loyal pet. Gene Mills is a cherished friend since childhood . Billy was preceded in death by his sister, Annetta Lanford Kilgore.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Kathy King Lanford; daughters, Keely Lanford Mims (Chris), Dothan; and Karla Lanford Chastain (Jeff), Auburn; grandchildren, Mary Hinson Mims, Davis Mims, Kathryn Mims, Ford Chastain and Ann Banks Chastain; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Kilgore and Dr. Jimmy H. King (Cornelia); several nieces and nephews.
Serving as active pallbearers will be William H. “Bo” Barnes, Bill Lee, Sonny Hall, Matt Swann, Lee Swann, Keary King, Gene Mills, Al Hutchins, Davis Mims and Kenneth Bryan. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Officers, Directors and employees of First State Bank.
HOLMAN-HEADLAND MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-693-3371. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
