Tom Langley

Reverend Earl Thomas (Tom) Langley, a Spring Hill, Florida resident, transitioned from this earthly plain to Glory on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 91, after a short stay under the care of the Sturgill Hospice House. Tom was born on September 24, 1932, outside of Luxora, Arkansas, on Catfish Island, once in the Mississippi River, to Ina Mae (Edwards) and William David Langley. From the age of three to nine years of his life, he lived with his maternal grandparents, Roland and Florence (Tankersley) Edwards. Tom accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was Baptized by Rev. Russell Duffer in 1945 at New Liberty Baptist Church in Blytheville, Arkansas. While in high school, Tom received the Call from God to preach and became licensed and ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister in 1952 in Wilson, Arkansas, at the First Baptist Church of Wilson. During this time, he met the love of his life, Nola Helen King; the two enjoyed 68 blessed years of marriage.

In 1953, Tom earned a diploma from Burdette High School. He graduated from Southern Baptist College, Arkansas State University, University of South Florida, Mid-Western Baptist Theological Seminary, and Memphis Theological Seminary.

Tom retired after 46 years of active ministry and service. His leadership lineage includes churches in Arkansas, Missouri, and Florida. Between 1972 and 1985, Tom served as the Director of Missions with the Pasco Baptist Association for the State of Florida and was instrumental in starting 13 churches throughout Pasco and Hernando Counties. Additionally, Tom influenced the lives of thousands of young people as a professional educator teaching in Arkansas, Missouri, and for 30 years with the Pasco County School District. He retired from teaching in 2000.

Tom was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Ina Mae and William David Langley; son, Earl Thomas Langley, Jr.; siblings, WT, Billy Wayne, Geraldine (Leifhert), and Ronnie; brother-in-law, Howard Edward King; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Grimes) Langley; brother-in-law, Wayne Sanders; daughter-in-law, Cathy (Deal) Langley; and niece Annette (Langley) Crabb. Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of 68 years, Nola Helen (King) Langley; sister, Linda Langley Sanders; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Langley Lee (Ollie); daughter, Sherri King Langley; son, Thomas David Langley; grandchildren: Sharon Alford Swonger (Ronald); Thomas Eugene Alford (Kelly); Gordon Lamar Alford (Mary); Michael Joseph Alford (Candace); Jessica Nicole Hawkins (Ty); Lisa Amanda Lee Langley; 10 great-grandchildren, and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to Sturgill HPH Hospice House at 12242 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613. www.chaptershealth.org

A visitation for Earl will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Turner Funeral Homes, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609. A funeral service will occur Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.turnerfuneralandcremation.com for the Langley family.