Willis Oscar Langford

Willis Oscar Langford, 85, of Arnoldsville, GA, passed away August 11, 2022, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the St. Mary’s hospital on Milledge Ave, Athens, GA on September 29, 1936.

Willis was a Born-Again Christian who had come to know Jesus at the Age of 18 after having been led to the Lord by Earnest G. Cowart, Waunette’s father.

Willis began school on Saint Simons Island, then his family moved to Athens, GA and he attended Gaines School, followed by Winterville High, then Athens High.

Willis married his sweetheart, Waunette Cowart in 1957 at the home of Rev. Revee Pardon in Athens, GA.  They were married 64 years, only 12 weeks shy of their 65th anniversary. They renewed their vows at their 40th anniversary celebration in 1997 officiated by Rev. Andy Huff.

Willis was a humble, honest mechanic and operated Langford’s Truck and Auto Repair on Cherokee Rd., Athens, GA. with his dependable helper and nephew, David Cowart.

He grew up working on his father’s dairy farm and was an all-around fix-it guy. Other jobs he held were mechanic at Athens Auto Supply, mechanic and truck driver for T. G. Strickland, diesel mechanic at Betty’s Truck Stop, truck mechanic at Classic City Beverage, mechanic at Pepsi Co, cruiser driver and bus mechanic at Athens Christian School, heavy equipment mechanic at Garrett Paving, and a mobile tractor mechanic in his later years operating from an old Cornwell tools sales truck.

He loved old cars and tractors.  He even built his own race car and sped around the dirt track at Athens Speedway.  Others may remember him for converting two ’68 UGA busses into one custom built motor home that He and Waunette enjoyed camping in for over 25 years.

Willis was preceded in death by his Parents, Jim and Patsy Langford, and brother Dennis E. Langford all of Athens, GA.

Survivors include his wife, Waunette C. Langford, three daughters: Lydia Joiner (Gary) of Colbert, Georgia; Beverly Gorman (Danny) of Maxeys, Georgia; and Tracy Massey (Dwaine) of Arnoldsville, Georgia.  Seven grandsons: John Shawn McKinney (Sarah), Daniel Jerome Gorman, Jr.(Jenny), Thomas Andrew Gorman (Jessica), Caleb Paul Joiner, Matthew Seth Joiner (Emily), Timothy Bryce Massey, and Andrew Cade Massey.  One granddaughter, Laura Paige Joiner.   Six great grandsons: Logan Thad Joiner, Daniel Jerome Gorman, III, Austin Michael Gorman, Nathan Shawn McKinney, David Jeffery-Joseph Gorman, and Cooper Willis Gorman. Four great granddaughters: Anna Rebecca McKinney, Emily Catherine ‘Katie’ Gorman, Finnley Mae Joiner, and Falynn Marley Joiner.  Several nieces and nephews, sister in laws and cousins.

The Family would like to thank Bridgeway Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life fellowship will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 2:00 PM, Tuckston Methodist Church, 4175 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA 30605.  Danny Gorman will be officiating the service followed by a dessert fellowship of Willis’ Favorite sweets.

Willis’ Interment will be a private ceremony at Tuckston cemetery days prior to the Celebration of Life fellowship. If you would like to send flowers, please send them for the Celebration of Life Ceremony on Saturday August 20th to arrive prior to the 2 PM event at Tuckston Church.