Rev. Richard Ward Langford's Obituary
The Rev. Richard Ward Langford, PhD left his earthly body and joined the Heavenly choir of angels on Friday, September 29, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Rev. W. C. Langford, and survived by his daughter Jennifer (Michael) Harris, daughter Ashleigh (Burt) Johnson, grandchildren Carson Luke, Cameron Langford, Callen Harper, and Audrie Elizabeth, mother Leta Langford, brother Bob (Wynnelle) Langford, and niece Kori.
As was noted throughout the afternoon and evening of his final moments with us, he was a pure soul, a brilliant mind, gifted, talented and generous. He positively affected groups across this world with his life invested into missions, addiction recovery, worship leading and brain research.
He committed his life to helping others, as well as himself, embrace salvation and focus on the ultimate realization of an eternal place in Heaven and seeing the face of Jesus. His journey was marked by pain and struggle, but he was defined by his sweet nature and companionship with the Holy Spirit.
He was a loving son, a caring and proud father and grandfather, a doting uncle, gentle friend and the epitome of a little brother that thought that his older brother could do no wrong; all the while not fully realizing he was our hero.
Our family has been encouraged and sustained through this time by the thoughts, prayers and support of so many as his final days materialized. We will all seek to honor him by reaffirming our daily walk with prayer, helping others with genuine and sweet concern, and singing. Music and singing was his favorite love language. So help us remember Richard by finding your own voice and your own anthem. Sing often and loud! If it makes someone look, that's fine; if it makes other start singing, it's success!
Richard was often noticed, and he left literally thousands with a new song in their heart.
As a long time SAE friend said the night of his passing, "Richard was a True Gentleman".
As summed up perfectly in a heartfelt tribute from his brother, Bob, “I have been blessed to have been his brother and the primary beneficiary of his being the wind beneath my wings. He now is experiencing his new life in a way that we can only imagine, but in a way that he always dreamed!”
Sing on Richard, now as the newest member of the Heavenly Choir, and the only one drinking a Diet A&W Root Beer!
The Life, impact, and achievements of Richard Langford will be Celebrated Friday, October 6 at 11:00am at Oak Hill Assembly, 5200 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN 37220.
In lieu of flowers, the Langford family has asked for donations of any amount to be sent to Vanderbilt University Medical Center CIBS Center Research Fund in Richard Langford’s honor.
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