Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon Garner, North Carolina Obituary

Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon

<p>Dr. Walter Thomas “Tom” Langdon, 78, of Garner, NC, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his loving and supportive family on March 11, 2023.</p><p><br></p><p>A kind, gentle, compassionate, and loving man, Tom was born in Four Oaks, NC to Mildred Stanley and Walter Langdon and grew up on a farm in Johnston County. Tom attended Four Oaks High School in Johnston County, NC where he also excelled as a three-sport athlete; he played basketball, football, and was an all-star baseball player. After graduating high school, Tom attended East Carolina University where he was a catcher on the Pirates baseball team, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Biology followed by a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He later earned his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University in Educational Leadership and Administration.</p><p><br></p><p>After graduation, Tom went on to teach physical education, biology, and driver education at West Craven High School in Vanceboro, NC. While there, he also coached multiple sports. Later in life he became a principal in the Sampson County School System and eventually the Superintendent of Sampson County Schools.</p><p><br></p><p>On July 4, 1992, Tom married his best friend, Lorraine Jordan, of Vanceboro, NC. They have one daughter, Susanna Jordan Langdon of Garner who has been a loving and devoted caregiver for her father during his hospital visits. Since childhood, Tom and Susanna have shared a special father-daughter relationship. Tom has two sons: Marc Langdon, a law enforcement officer, and his partner, Sherry Lynn Rochen; and Brett Langdon, a musician and artist, and his wife Keshana Langdon.</p><p><br></p><p>In 2016, Tom fully retired and spent time pursuing his love for music, enjoying baseball games, and spending time with his family. Tom loved going to Durham Bulls baseball games and taking trips to watch spring training in Florida. He attended games at professional baseball stadiums as a fan. During the Dream Team Allstar Game in Florida, he once hit a fastball to outfield against professional pitcher Bob Feller and tagged Steve Garvey out at home plate. Tom played multiple instruments including banjo, dobro, guitar, and steel guitar and loved bluegrass music, playing at many festivals across the state.</p><p><br></p><p>Tom was a mason in the Hiram Lodge Division, Clinton, NC. He was also a member of the Garner Methodist Church and attended Just Jesus Community Church located in Garner, NC.</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Langdon was predeceased by his mother, Mildred Stanley and father, Walter Langdon. He is survived by sister – Peggy Ann Snead of Manteo, NC; wife – Lorraine Jordan of Garner, NC; daughters – Susanna Langdon of Garner, NC; Sons – Marc Langdon of Waller, TX and Brett Langdon of Selma, NC; Grandchildren – Kaleb Langdon, Mason Langdon, and their mother Rayna Langdon who Tom loved and considered a daughter; Meredith Langdon, Hunter Langdon, Kaiya Langdon, Adrian Langdon, and Marley Langdon; Godson – Garrett Newton and Goddaughter – Katya Johansson.</p><p><br></p><p>The family will receive visitors at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd. Garner, NC; March 18, from 4pm – 7pm. Funeral Services will take place on Sunday, March 19, at 2:15 pm, with the graveside service following at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West in Clayton. There will be a reception afterwards, held at Carolina Bleu Grille, 13049 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton.</p><p><br></p><p>A “Celebration of Life” for Tom Langdon will take place at Lorraine’s Coffee House &amp; Music, 101 Timber Pointe Ln. Garner, NC 27529: Saturday March 18, at 7:30 pm.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>The family is requesting that anyone ordering flowers to please call&nbsp;Daniel's Florist,&nbsp;2829 Jones Franklin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606.&nbsp;(919) 851-1500.&nbsp;https://danielsflorist.com/&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><iframe width="512" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/RCBYHTZRHJ5TZ9LT" scrolling="no" height="330" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true" class="ts_player"></iframe></p>
December 3, 1944 - March 11, 202312/03/194403/11/2023
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Dr. Walter

An environmentally friendly option
2 trees planted in memory of Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.
Jack Coombe
September 2, 2023
❤️
Susanna Langdon
September 1, 2023
I miss him so much. I didn’t k ow the company had a Facebook. Thank you for posting this. He was the best man this world had and that I had in my life. Not everyone get a second chance at a father and that second chance was the father any girl dreams of. He is so badly m... Continue Reading
Dottie Holt
May 20, 2023
Prayers too all
S
Susanna Langdon
April 17, 2023
I love you daddy. Please watch over me. You were my person and I’m trying to figure out this new life. Rest easy my cute ole man. I miss you so much it hurts, but I know you are with me.
+ 6
G
Gary Whitford
March 20, 2023
I will always remember Coach Langdon from West Craven and his calm demeanor. That always appealed to me more than other coaches I encountered in those days. I'm so glad he was able to enjoy his music for so many years, alongside his Best Friend, Lorraine!
A candle was posted for Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.
A candle was posted for Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.
S
Sandra Day
March 19, 2023
Dear Lorraine, Susanna and ALL family members: Although I only knew Tom a mere short time, I realized instantly what an outstanding person he was. I was not aware of his musical happenings but I definitely could tell his feelings for each and everyone of you right from... Continue Reading
C
Carla Osborne
March 18, 2023
A candle was posted for Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.
A candle was posted for Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.
K
Kyle & Maria Herbert and Staff of DES
March 18, 2023
May you always have beautiful memories of your life with Dr. Tom to endure these sad times. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love.
Mountain Fields

Mountain Fields was purchased for the family of Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.

A tree was also planted in memory of Dr. Walter Thomas "Tom" Langdon.
D
Donnie Smith
March 18, 2023
Tom was a very gentle man. We knew him through Danny Stanley. Very talented and always ready to perform. Prayers for the family now and in the days to come
B
Barbara Williford
March 17, 2023
You will always be Tommy in my mind! You were a dear friend all those many years ago in high school and I have fond memories of all of us having such a good time. I wish all your family peace, love and prayers. Rest well my friend.