Lloyd C. Lagrange Sr.

Lloyd C. LaGrange, Sr., was born in Washington, DC on October 30, 1929 to Rev. Cecil B. LaGrange and Blanch E. McKinney LaGrange. His father was a Methodist Minister so the family moved constantly from one location to another during his formative years before settling in Washington, D.C. He had three siblings, Murial Bishop, Victor LaGrange (surviving brother), and Bradner LaGrange.

After graduating from Morgan State College in 1950, Lloyd entered the United States Air Force. As a Corporal assigned to clerical duties with a Strategic Air Command (SAC) Bomb Wing, Lloyd was responsible for maintaining personnel records for the officers assigned to the Headquarters Squadron. He developed an interest in flying through his close association with the SAC Pilots, many of whom offered encouragement. Lloyd was further motivated by the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He completed flight school and served as a USAF Pilot flying F-80, B-25 and T-29 aircrafts with the Air Training Command. Lloyd became an Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot while flying T-29 aircraft.

While in the Air Force stationed in Ellington Air Force Base in Texas, he met his future wife, Betty Jean Rochon. They met at a movie theatre where she worked, while he was on a date with someone else. After dropping off his date after the movie, Lloyd returned to the theatre and introduced himself to Betty. They were married on July 7, 1956. They had five children, Lloyd C. LaGrange, Jr., MD (wife Suzette LaGrange), Elizabeth E. LaGrange Smith (husband Juan Derrick Smith), Jacques R. LaGrange (wife Katrinka LaGrange), Yvette M. McAfee and Jolie T. LaGrange-Johnson. They have seven grandchildren, Jacques LaGrange, Jr., Aaron LaGrange (wife Sheilah LaGrange), Garett LaGrange, Camille LaGrange, Monique McAfee, Kayla McAfee and Lucien LaGrange. They have four great-grandchildren, Isabella LaGrange, Gabriel LaGrange, Amaris LaGrange and Zuri LaGrange.

Upon returning to civilian life, Lloyd was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Air Traffic Controller at Washington National Airport. He held this occupation for 13 years. During this time he retained an active interest in flying activities and obtained a commercial pilot certificate for single and multi-engine land aircraft, and instruments. Shortly thereafter, he was invited to become a Tuskegee Airmen.

In 1970 Lloyd became an Aircraft Accident Investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Washington, D.C., where he served as a member of the “Go Team” for major catastrophic aircraft accidents. His dual specialties were flight operations and air traffic control. While with the NTSB, Lloyd obtained a certified flight instructor certificate and type ratings for the Convair 240/340/440 and for the Lear Jet Series. He served as a member of the Technical Panel for numerous public hearings and as an instructor for the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School. He testified on air safety before Congress and other government agencies before retiring in 1986.

After retirement, Lloyd was employed on a part-time basis as an Adjunct Associate Professor, Aerospace Division, at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). In 1998, he relocated from Washington, DC to Royal Palm Beach, Florida along with his wife, Betty Jean LaGrange.

The LaGrange family is greatly comforted by being blessed to have had this amazing man in our lives for over 96 years. His lasting legacy will include his integrity, love of family, strength, courage, perseverance and the belief that with God anything is possible.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:00am at Royal Palm Funeral Home, 5601 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00am at the same location. A Committal service will occur at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens, 5601 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407. Services are entrusted to Royal Palm Funeral Home.