Dr. Judd Gardner Langley

Dr. Judd Gardner Langley, of Centerville, Texas, was born September 4, 1973, in Crockett, Texas. He passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2026.

As a young child, Judd enjoyed spending time with his cousins at a grandparent's house. There were many slumber parties in the big room in New Summerfield. From an early age, he could always be found outdoors, going on many hunting adventures with his cousins and friends. Most of all, he loved every adventure with his best friend Daniel. 

Judd graduated from Centerville High School in 1992, where he played basketball, football, and was involved in FFA, the National Honor Society, and played saxophone like his mom. He was the son of a coach and a great athlete. He had many fond memories and stories of his time playing basketball with his teammates, whom he loved so much. Basketball and football were two things he was very passionate about growing up, to make people proud with his team. After graduation, he went to College Station, Texas. 

He attended Texas A&M University in College Station. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Fishery Sciences from Texas A&M in 1997. After graduation, he became a teacher. As much as he loved helping teach the new generation, he had a different passion to go chase. He then attended the Baylor College of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003. He then completed three years of advanced training and residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and the Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base. He then graduated with a master's degree and a specialty certificate in prosthodontics in 2006. After his time in the military, he retired as a captain and came back home to Texas. In Texas, is when he began practicing dentistry. His passion for dentistry started at a young age due to many hours in the dental chair. He loved his patients and being able to help them. The love he had for his patients and friends drove everything he did professionally. 

He had his first practice in Palestine, Texas, and moved to Madisonville in 2012 to start Langley Dental. When Judd was not at work, he was an avid outdoorsman. He loved going hunting and fishing with his many friends all across the United States. More than that, he loved going hunting with his children. Duck hunting with his boys and his sidekick, Sugar, are memories he held so close. He was always quick to tell people about fly fishing with his friends and about the beautiful sunsets he got to see. He was known to say that trout don't live in ugly places, and that was where he liked to be. From Colorado to South Texas, Judd valued telling stories and spending time with friends. Another one of Judd's favorite pastimes was listening to live music. He had a beautiful voice if you were lucky enough to catch him singing along in his truck. He loved listening to local bands and taking in live music.

In his later years in Madisonville, Judd was actively involved in the American Legion. He enjoyed winding down on a Thursday, after a week at the office, enjoying drinks with friends, and sharing a good time. He loved spending time with people and getting to chat about life.

Dr. Judd was also a believer in youth. He never missed a dance recital, basketball game, football game, livestock show, or anything in between. He watched his children grow up through the 4-H and FFA, and invested in local kids by actively following Centerville and Madisonville sports. He enjoyed sponsoring the Friday night pick 'em show, attending football games, and watching local livestock shows.

Above all, Judd cherished his role as "Dad" to his children: Landry, Nathan, and Ross. His greatest joy came from teaching them to hunt, staying up late writing FFA speeches, playing basketball, talking about everything in life, and, most importantly, guiding them in their faith. Judd was a selfless, dependable, and deeply loving person to his children, family, and everyone he met. 

Judd Gardner Langley was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Lynn Langley; maternal grandparents, James and Joyce Gardner; paternal grandparents, Howard and Alice Langley; and loyal companion and sidekick, Sugar. He is survived by his three children, Landry, Nathan, and Ross; father and role model, Joe Langley; brother, Russell Langley; sister, Cara (Randy) Dudley; niece and nephew, Caraline and Quannah Dudley; mother of his children, Amy McGuire; his uncle Ronnie Langley, and girlfriend, Candy Fernaux, as well as numerous cousins. He is also survived by special friends, Daniel and Kristie Largent, Johnny Knight, the staff of Langley Dental, and many others. 

A celebration of Judd's remarkable life will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Cattlemen's Pavilion, Madisonville, Texas. Immediately following, everyone is invited to New Salem Cemetery Chapel and Pavilion for a bar-b-que meal and fellowship. A time of visitation and remembrance will take place from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday, February 20, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Salem Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 952, Centerville, Texas 75833, Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen's Association (MSCA), P.O. Box 1197, Madisonville, Texas 77864, or your local American Legion.

Final arrangements are under the direction of the dedicated staff of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.