Lankford E. Poindexter

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Obituary

Lankford Eugene Poindexter peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on March 31, 2020 at Capital Caring Inpatient Center in Lanham, Maryland. He was born on September 12, 1944 and grew up in Nathalie, Virginia. He was the oldest child of the late Wallace Lankford and Susie Geraldine Poindexter who preceded him in death.  He was also predeceased by his sister, Maxine Y. Poindexter and nephew, Stefan A. Poindexter.

Raised in a loving home with strong Christian and family values, Gene was baptized at an early age and joined Sunflower Baptist Church where he regularly attended church services, Sunday school and sang in the youth choir.

Lankford, affectionately known as “Gene” “Unkie#1”,“Pee Dee” or “Dex” to his family and friends, attended Mary M. Bethune High School in Halifax, Virginia where he was a member of the choir and a student bus driver. After graduating in 1963, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and proudly served his country for three and a half years. Following his time at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, he received an honorable discharge and moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Metropolitan Police Department on March 31, 1969. He first worked as a uniformed officer in the Patrol Division and was assigned to the 12th Precinct in the 5th District. He later worked as a dispatcher in the Communications Division before transferring to the Property Division where he was a technician until his retirement in June 1989.

Untiring when it came to work, Gene returned to the workforce and sought employment with the Secret Service where he worked as an Access Control Coordinator, ultimately retiring in 2004, after a  total of thirty-nine and a half years of dedicated military and public service. During his career, he received various accolades, certificates and service medals from the Executive Branch commending him for his contributions and performance of duties. Gene was an active member of the Association of Retired Police Officers of DC, Inc. and the Blue Knights Maryland 1 Motorcycle Club.

Gene developed his work ethic and love of driving as a result of growing up on his family’s tobacco farm. It was there where a young Gene had his very first driving experience on the family tractor.  Later, Gene turned this passion into providing part-time transportation services for Gold Line, E.J. and East Coast Charter Bus Services. More recently, Gene drove for both Uber and Edible Arrangements.  A man of many talents, he has also held the job titles of neighborhood barber, real estate agent, car salesman, Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant, and tax preparer.  His most recent job and one he especially enjoyed was National Notary, until forced to quit due to his illness.

Gene who was always well-dressed, and sporting a pair of stylish sunshades, enjoyed traveling, road trips, attending NASCAR races and car shows.  Gene's love for beautiful cars and motorcycles could be seen in his favorite pastimes which included tinkering under the hood, polishing his "rides," or cruising in the driver's seat.   In addition to his passions, Gene remained an avid Washington Redskins fan.

Gene will best be remembered for his laid-back personality, independent spirit, light-hearted jokes and quick wit. Outside of his commitment to public service, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.  He looked forward to each holiday, attending his grandchildren’s activities, family get-togethers and was always ready and willing to lend a supporting hand. He embraced reality and lived life with courage up until the end. His memory and legacy will live on in all our hearts.

Loving survivors include son, Rodney D. Poindexter and stepson, Derrick Brown of Landover, Maryland. grandchildren, Zoe Poindexter of Washington, D.C,, Akasha, Zachary and Aaron Poindexter of Shepherdstown, West Virginia; sister, Joyce P. Johnson (James T.) of Richmond, Virginia; brothers, Philip H. Poindexter of Hyattsville, Maryland and Jesse J. Poindexter of Nathalie, Virginia; nieces, Keira Johnson and Kyla Johnson of Richmond, VA, great-nephews; Macari, Kaiden and Kyrie, of Richmond, VA; aunt, Carlyle P. Keller of Cambria Heights, NY; former wives, Carolyn Brown Poindexter, Carolyn Sands and children; numerous cousins, other relatives and friends, including devoted longtime friends, Willie E. Cooke, Willie Epps, and Ervin Street.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, August 7,2020 at Beall at 10:30 a.m. Due to gathering restrictions, attendances will be limited.  The service will be live-streamed on fb page https://www.facebook.com/KlassActNotary/, starting at 10:50 a.m.