William D. Langley

1939 - 2025

William D. (Bill) Langley

January 13, 1939 - October 11, 2025

Columbus, Georgia - William D. (Bill) Langley died peacefully at home on October 11, 2025, after bravely enduring a long illness. Born January 13, 1939, in West Point, GA, he was raised in Columbus, GA, where he lived his entire life. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1957, excelling both academically and as an award-winning shortstop on the baseball team. Bill continued his baseball career at South Georgia College, playing for coach Bobby Bowden, who later became Florida State's football coach. Known for his speed, Bill once rounded third base before his hard-hit ball landed, as reported by a local journalist. In 1963, he completed his studies at Auburn University, majoring in Social Science and English Literature, and held Auburn dear throughout his life. He was active in Auburn Alumni affairs, serving for years as Chairman of the External Relations Committee of the National Advisory Council for the College of Education.

Bill had a successful fifteen-year career at RC Cola, serving as Director of National Syrup Sales, Staff Sales, and Marketing Services. He then spent fifteen years at Tom's Foods as Director of Marketing Services. However, Bill was best known in Columbus as "Wild Bill," the founder of several local businesses. In 1972, with his best friend Cecil Hand and two other RC Cola colleagues, he formed Party Line Inc., which operated Wild Bill's and Crazy Cecil's Party Shops. Bill bought Wild Bill's in 1989 and, in 1991, opened Wild Bill's Jewelry and Pawn with his wife, Sharon. Together, they built a business known for compassion, helping clients in need with dignity and care. Over the years, their store also became a destination for engagement rings and meaningful gifts. Those who recall their ads know Wild Bill's would bargain and accept nearly anything in pawn-except cows.

People routinely stopped by Wild Bill's not to pawn or purchase but just to say hello. Countless people in the community enjoyed the company of a man who lit up every room he entered and was often the biggest, most engaging personality there.

Bill was quick with a joke. In the midst of torrential rains and the rising of his beloved Chattahoochee, someone might ask, 'Do you think it will ever stop raining?' He'd say, "Sonny boy, it always has." Or he'd tell the story of a sales trip into a remote town in the mountains, where he noticed the store owner had stacks of bags of salt. Bill would say he told the man, "Mister you must sell a lot of salt." Bill claimed the owner responded, "No, but the man who sold me salt sells a lot of salt."

As a boy, he rode his bicycle off the roof of a house. He led a group of 4-year-olds on a bear hunt-on the 13th hole at the Country Club of Columbus and attempted to drive at the age of three. He wound up parked on a neighbor's front porch. From his earliest days, Bill had a spirit of adventure. He carried that trait throughout his life, which was filled with love and accomplishment.

Bill also served as a member of the Sertoma Club of Columbus, the Toastmasters Club, and the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, West Central Georgia Chapter. He was a member of St Paul Methodist Church. He was also a member of The Green Island Country Club, The River Club and The Lodge and Beach Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

His greatest accomplishment and pride was his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren. He reveled in their accomplishments and cherished the moments he shared with them. Bill was a giant in their eyes. His loss is immense, but his impact on them is immeasurable.

Mr. Langley was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nell Langley, his wife, Sharon Langley, and his daughter, Lynn Langley. He is survived by his wife Etta Langley, his daughter Leigh Davis (Rece), his son Bob Maughon (Dianne), his grandchildren Christopher Davis, Elizabeth Davis Poulter (Nate), Andrew Maughon, Lauren Maughon, his sister Winnie Allen, and niece Allison Cheney (Stephen). He also leaves behind Etta's children Bardie Brady (Rem), Joe Blackmon, Dykes Blackmon (Megan), and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We would like to extend our eternal gratitude to his special friends and caregivers. Wendy Reese was a beloved and trusted assistant, advocate, and friend who tirelessly and expertly attended to his business and personal obligations for more than 30 years. She was loyal to Bill throughout. Tekeema Coleman took charge of Mr. Langley's care very early in his illness. Her heart and compassion for Bill's well-being extended beyond a job. She treated him as she would her own father. For that, we owe her a debt we can never repay. Latoya Russell, Tawanna Bell and Marion Jackson were loving, dedicated and kind. They too, treated Bill as family. The caregivers have the family's endless appreciation, respect and love. Dot Coley was a longtime trusted employee whose regular visits during his illness lifted Bill's spirits.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at St. Paul Church, 2101 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, on Monday, November 3, 2025, with visitation at 1:00PM in the fellowship hall and a memorial service in the sanctuary at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to

St. Paul Church of Columbus at stpaulcolumbus.com and Tunnels to Towers at t2t.org