James H. Langhorne, Sr.

James Henry Langhorne, Sr. was the son of Frank Thomas and Bertha Lucille Driver Langhorne and was born June 24, 1940 in Smithfield, Virginia. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 23, 2020 at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his son James Langhorne, Jr., granddaughter Gynell Langhorne and his parents. He graduated from the Isle of Wight Training School in 1959. He matriculated at Norfolk State College for one year and left school to join the United States Air Force. In 1960 he was married to Maxine Spratley and together raised five children as they traveled around the world. James served in the military for twenty years as an Operations System Management Supervisor and a Club Management Specialist. He served his country state side, overseas in Okinawa and in Vietnam where he received the following commendations and medals for his service: Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Non Commissioned Officer Academy Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his military career, he matriculated at Old Dominion University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Upon graduation, he began work at the Veterans Administration where he served military veterans until his retirement. At an early age, he gave his life to Christ at Rising Star Baptist Church in Smithfield, Virginia. After retirement, he rejoined Rising Star and served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher for numerous years. He was then led by the spirit to join Holy Ghost Baptist Church. He read and studied the bible daily and was always eager to share the word of the Lord. He served as a Deacon and remained a faithful member of Holy Ghost Baptist Church until his death. James leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Maxine Spratley-Langhorne, daughters Terry Baker and Vizel Townsend (Larry) of Hampton, VA, sons Kenneth Langhorne (Bernadette) of Durham, NC and Brian Langhorne (Diane) of Waldorf, MD; eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Gracie Whitley of Smithfield, VA.

James H. Langhorne, Sr.

June 24, 1940 - January 23, 2020