Bill K. Langford
Born on November 23, 1935 in Carmi, Illinois,Passed on February 14, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida
Bill K. Langford, 90, of West Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 23, 1935, in Carmi, Illinois, to Darryl and Gladys Langford.
At the age of 17, Bill proudly joined the United States Navy in 1953. He served his country as a submariner aboard the USS Clamagore (SS-343), which was based in Key West, Florida. His time in the Navy reflected the discipline, dedication, and quiet strength that would characterize his life. He remained deeply connected to the submarine community as a member of national and local submarine veterans organizations. Bill attended several memorial services at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, honoring the service and sacrifice of fellow submariners. In 2018, he was privileged to participate as an honoree on an Honor Flight trip, a meaningful experience he greatly treasured.
Following his military service, Bill pursued higher education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1960. He began his professional career that same year with Radiation, Incorporated. From 1963 to 1964, he spent a year working in Fairbanks, Alaska, an experience that added a unique chapter to his early career. Through corporate transitions, he continued his work with Harris Corporation, where he dedicated decades of service before retiring in 1996.
On March 29, 1957, Bill married the love of his life, Mary Darlene (Short) Langford. Together they shared 68 years of marriage built on devotion, partnership, and love. Their life together was centered on family, which remained Bill’s greatest pride and joy.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene; his sons, David (Elizabeth), Donnie, and Doug (Rebekah); his grandchildren, Jason, Justin, Ainslie, Andrew, and Zachary; his great-grandchildren, Bailey, Chloe, Madison, Payton, and Coston; and his great-great-grandchild, Cooper.
Beyond his career and service, Bill lived a life rich in interests and community involvement. He dedicated many years to coaching youth baseball and football, investing in the lives of young athletes with patience and encouragement. A devoted family historian, he published several genealogy books, carefully preserving stories and connections for future generations. He was also an avid antique enthusiast who enjoyed antiquing and discovering pieces of the past.
In retirement, Bill and Darlene embraced adventure. They enjoyed traveling extensively by RV and were proud to have visited most of the United States and parts of Canada. Their travels also took them to several European and Asian countries, creating cherished memories along the way. They treasured time spent at their second home in Townsend, Tennessee, and valued every opportunity to gather with family. Whether at home or on the road, Bill placed family above all else.
Bill will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, love of learning, spirit of adventure, and unwavering commitment to his family and fellow veterans. His legacy lives on in the generations who carry forward his values, his stories, and his love. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Bill will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
