Willard J. Langdon

Willard J. Langdon, 88, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, January 30, 2025. He was born Sept. 16, 1936, to the late Vadie Adams Langdon and Willard Vance Langdon.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Margaret Kelley Langdon; daughter Jan (Brad); sons Curtis Kesler (Angie) and Kevin Kesler (Ryse); grandchildren Bradley Sosebee (Liz), Kristopher Sosebee (Kacie), Brittany Kesler, Ellie (Matt) Miller, Grace Kesler, and Matt Kesler (Victoria);

great-grandchildren, Bradley Anson, Marcus, and Liam Sosebee; Carson and Austin Sosebee; MJ and Darla Kesler; and many beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Willard was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Langdon Crumpler and Annie Jean Phelps, as well as his aunt Bessie S. Langdon Johnson.

He was known for his storytelling, unmistakable laugh and generous spirit. He took any opportunity to brag on those he loved, especially his grandkids. He loved being "Papa."

Willard was proud to have served as an Army Ranger and Pathfinder, retiring as a master sergeant, and was a Distinguished Member of the Ranger Training Brigade. In his service to his country, he was awarded the following: the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with a 60 Device, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Ranger Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Dominican Republic), the Combat infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Ranger Badge, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Oak Leaf Cluster.

Throughout his life he was a conscious, motivated and devoted leader. In peacetime, his career took him to Germany and Korea, where he gained professional experience; he was a Platoon Sergeant in the initial forced entry unit into the Dominican Republic, leading a "green" platoon into harm's way. As Senior Enlisted Advisor to the 37th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion during the siege of Khe Sanh, he set the standard for self-discipline and courage under fire.

Later, while serving as Platoon and First Sergeant with 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), he led his troops into combat around Fire Base Veghel.

In every assignment, his professional competency came to the forefront. At Mountain Ranger Camp, he served two tours as a member of the Patrolling Committee; followed by his selection of NCOIC of the Mountaineering Committee. Six months later, he became the initial Ranger-qualified First Sergeant of 2nd Ranger Company.

Following his retirement from active duty, he embarked on a new career in law enforcement, serving as Deputy Sheriff and State Probation Officer. He is a founding member of the Mountain Ranger Camp Association and served as its chaplain.

He authored the books "Law Enforcement in Hall County, 1818-1980" and "Law Enforcement in Hall County, GA 1818-2010."

A bit of a Renaissance man, Willard had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was a pilot and guitarist, a proud family and church man, and a firm believer in self-reflection. He often spoke of how grateful he was to be invited to Mountain View Baptist Church, where he grew in love with his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his beautiful, devoted wife, Margaret. Together, Willard and Margaret made an industrious and formidably knowledgeable team in the community with their music, creativity, service and generosity. Many people have been blessed to hear them lead worship with Margaret singing and Willard strumming the guitar.

Willard was an eager teacher, excited to share his expertise, especially with his nieces and nephews, with whom he spent many hours teaching guitar. A passionate communicator, he would discuss God, politics, and whatever he was researching with whomever was up to the task. Willard was great at connecting with people, letting them know how very proud he was to know them, and never missed an opportunity to cheer others on or challenge them to a high standard.

For a man who rode many of the waves of significant change over the last eight decades in our great nation, he didn't let the difficulties keep him down. While we will miss his big grin, appreciative laugh, and love, we are blessed to hold Willard's legacy of learning, resilience, community and faith.

Margaret and Willard have been blessed by their recent time as members of Flat Creek Baptist Church.

The family wishes to thank those who provided in-home care, as well as the dear ladies at Golden Corral who have been so kind to lavish care and kindness to Willard over the years.

He loved God. He loved his family. He loved his country. He was a giver. He was a good provider.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Flat Creek Baptist Church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Funeral Home Monday, February 3rd from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

For those wishing to make a gift in memoriam, please consider contributing to: Flat Creek Baptist Church Building Fund (Gainesville) or the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Dr. Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com