Langhorne Anthony Motley

1938 - 2023

MOTLEY

LANGHORNE ANTHONY MOTLEY "Tony"

Langhorne "Tony" Anthony Motley passed away peacefully at home with his daughters by his side on October 14, 2023. Tony was born on June 5, 1938, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a son of an American expatriate, Tony graduated from The Citadel in 1960 with a degree in political science and a regular commission in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he met Judith "Judy" Jones, and they were married on April 8, 1967. After 10 years in the Air Force, Tony completed his military service while living in Anchorage, Alaska. He began a career in real estate and also served on the Board of Directors of the Alaska National Bank of the North. In 1974, Tony went on to lead the State of Alaska's Commerce and Economic Development Department and later in 1977, he took charge of Citizens for the Management of Alaska Lands. In 1981,Tony was appointed United States Ambassador to Brazil by President Ronald Reagan. He later served as Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs. In 1985, Tony left government service to found an international trade consulting firm. Secretary of State George Shultz presented him with the Department of State's Distinguished Honor Award upon his departure. From 1985 to 2003, Tony co-chaired the Department of State's ambassadorial seminars, which he coined, "Charm School," for first-time ambassadors. In 1999, Tony was appointed by Secretary of State Madeline Albright to the Overseas Presence Advisory Panel. He later went on to serve on the executive committee of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Diplomacy. Tony was preceded in death by Judy, his wife of 56 years, who passed away in May. He is survived by his daughters Allison Motley (Andrew) Ellis; daughter Valerie Langhorne Motley (David Warren); grandchildren Hunter Ellis, Tyler Ellis, and Lilly Ellis.

A memorial service will be held on January 12, 2024, at the Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart, FL and a burial of both Tony and Judy at Arlington National Cemetery, date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Autism Society of North Carolina (IGNITE Raleigh),The Citadel Foundation, or the Mariner Sands Foundation.