2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 42
Celebrating the life of Paul Gandy Lankford.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 9, 2026
WHEREAS, Paul Gandy Lankford, an esteemed educator who supported and inspired generations of young people and an active volunteer leader in and around Virginia Beach, died on May 7, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Paul Lankford grew up in Southampton County and began his distinguished career in education after graduating from The College of William & Mary in 1969; and
WHEREAS, Paul Lankford initially worked for Virginia Beach City Public Schools as an English teacher at Bayside High School, then served as chair of the English Department at Green Run High School for more than two decades; he subsequently joined Cape Henry Collegiate School, where he taught for another nine years; and
WHEREAS, over the course of his 40-year career, Paul Lankford earned a reputation as a passionate educator who built personal relationships with every student, understanding their individual strengths and weaknesses to help them not only hone their abilities as writers and critical thinkers but also build a strong foundation for lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, Paul Lankford was awarded the Virginia Teacher of the Year in 1983; and
WHEREAS, Paul Lankford enlivened classroom work with his humor, wit, and colorful fashion sense and relished every opportunity to share his passion for literature and stimulate discussion by reading aloud to students; he further enhanced the learning process by teaching life skills, such as setting a table or writing a thank you note; and