By Staff
Timothy Arnold Lanham of Newport News, VA, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2009, after having been surrounded by all the people who loved him dearly. The Lord allowed him to spend the hours before his death with the two most precious people in his life, his sons Walt and Sean Lanham, whom he always lovingly referred to as Walty and Junior. Tim loved his sons dearly and they were always on his mind and in his heart.
Tim was born on April 17, 1963 in Topeka, Kansas. After his father, Walter Arnold Lanham, retired from the Air Force their family settled down in Leewood, West Virginia. Tim left WV upon graduating from high school and joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Korea, he met and married Katherine Diane Wilkes whom he always called Kaydee. Though they eventually divorced, they always remained close in their hearts. Diane was also blessed to spend the last hours of Tim’s life on this earth with him and their sons. Even when Tim faced struggles in life he always had a smile on his face. It was important to him for his family to know that he had accepted Jesus into his heart and knew that he would soon be face-to-face with Him in Heaven.
Tim not only always wore a smile, but he would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He never met a stranger and those who met him would never forget him. He made many friends during his life, two of which stood closely by him even in his death. Tim’s family will be forever grateful to Jim Story of Virginia Beach, VA, and Paige Leftwich of Providence Forge, VA. Tim met Jim on the beach about 3 years ago and they formed a special friendship. Tim thought of Jim not only as a friend but as a father, as his own father passed away in 1986. Tim met Paige at about the same time. She was a beautiful friend to Tim and took care of him when he got too sick during his last days to care for himself. She was with him until the very end.
Tim also left behind his mother, Marcella Lanham Barefield, and his brother, Michael Lanham, both of Washington, NC, and two sisters, Debbie Rose and Bev Rider who reside in WV. Diane Thurmon lives in Washington, and Walt and Sean live in Greenville, NC, where they attend East Carolina University. Their dad was so proud of them for going to college. Tim also had many nieces, nephews, and other family members who will never forget him. So, from lasting impressions to everlasting life … we will see you again one day and we will love you forever.
Cremation Society of Virginia, Hampton Roads office is assisting the family.
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