Curtis Langford

Curtis Winfield Langford was born the second child to Charlie and Emma Cherry Langford on May 20, 1927. He led an illustrious life. His early education had its foundation in the Sebrell Elementary School and Southampton County Training High School.

At Southampton, he was self-indoctrinated to the world of business as a result of managing a profitable soft drink concession for the school. He also played leading roles in various play productions and FFA(Future Farmers of America). He introduced to the family farm new breeds of Duroc and New Hampshire hogs, which commanded a greater selling price.

Following high school graduation in 1945, he served his country in the U.S. Army which took him to the European Theater of operations. There he served in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery and the Transportation Corps until he was discharged in 1947 as a sergeant.

He used one year to adjust to civilian life and introduced his father to new methods of farming as the Federal Government required under many of its new programs.

Curtis Langford continued his education at Hampton Institute(now Hampton University) where he earned a B.S. Degree in Business Management and a minor in economics in 1952. As a student at Hampton, he added to his store house of knowledge and experiences through participation in the H.I. Speech Choir, as business manager of The Hampton Script campus newspaper, as a member of Omicron (MOB) Social Club, and being on the Dean’s List as an honor roll student.

Being as alert, ambitious, and perpetually active individual, he continued his personal and professional development through both informal and formal experiences in his education pursuits.

His distinguished and diversified professional career cut a broad swath across more than three decades. From 1952 thru 1966 he worked as Senior Warehouseman and Accounting Technician at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. From 1966 thru 1968 he served as a Field Agent for the Internal Revenue Service in Bailey’s Crossroads, and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. as a Operating Accountant, Supervisory Operating Accountant, Systems Accountant, and Project Specialist. He retired from HUD on January 1, 1985.

On August 22, 1992 Curtis married his “Love” Lillian Vermell at Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. They enjoyed 30+ years of marriage. They did lots of traveling in the states and abroad; China, Germany, Alaska, Switzerland, and Amsterdam to name a few. They participated in the Senior program and participated in the Senior Olympics held on the campus at Prince George’s Community College . They really loved their Collington Cottage and participated in many of the campus events and served on many committees together with their many friends and neighbors.

Curtis Winfield Langford was involved in professional organizations at the local, state, national, and international levels. His affiliations and memberships were various and many. His leadership positions included Hampton Branch NAACP, American Federation of Government Employees Union, HUD Toastmasters, National Notary Association, Board of Directors for Kettering Townhouse Association, Chairman of the Langford Acres Limited Liability Company, and Chairman of Stewardship Ministry at Clinton Baptist Church, and he served on the Steward Board at Woodstream Baptist Church. One of his most memorable positions was Chairman of the Hilltop Garden Committee at Collington. He also served on the Prince George’s Community College Board of Directors.

Recognition, honors, citations, and awards have been as numerous as his affiliations. Among his many honors are the Hampton Script Key, the HUD Toastmasters Evaluation Award, HUD Distinguish Service Awards, NAACP Distinguished Service Award, and Sunday School Teacher Award.

The day of rest for him arrived on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Survivors include his wife: Lillian Vermell, one brother Raymond (Geraldine/Gerry) of Glenarden, Md. one sister: Lois Spencer-Tibbs of District Heights, Md. Four nieces, six great nieces, 4 great-great nieces, 2 nephews, 3 great nephews, 2 great-great nephews, and many cousins.