wfn.org | Thomas Langford, former provost and dean at Duke, dies Feb. 13

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Feb. 14, 2000 News media contact: Thomas S.
McAnally·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn. 10-71B{066}

By United Methodist News Service

The Rev. Thomas A. Langford, one of United Methodism's best-known
theologians, died Feb. 13 of heart failure at his home in Durham, N.C., at
the age of 70.

A clergy member of the church's Western North Carolina Annual Conference, he
had been a student, teacher, provost and dean at United Methodist-related
Duke University in Durham and was known widely for his books and articles on
British theology and philosophical theology. 

During the United Methodist Council of Bishops' most recent meeting in
November at Lake Junaluska, N.C., he presented a major paper titled  "Grace
on Grace." 

He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie Daniel Langford, four sons - Thomas
Anderson (Andy) III, James Howard, Timothy Daniel and Stephen Hughes -- and
their families. A memorial service will be held at Duke Chapel, but final
arrangements are pending.

Born in Winston-Salem, N.C., Langford received his bachelor of divinity
degree from Duke Divinity School in 1954 and his doctorate from Duke as well
in 1958. He joined the Duke faculty in 1956, teaching in both the department
of religion, where he served as chairman, and in the divinity school. From
1971 to 1981 he served as divinity school dean.

In 1984, he became vice provost for academic affairs.  In 1990, he became
interim provost and in 1991 assumed the position full-time. After retiring
in 1997, Langford served as William Kellon Quick professor emeritus of
theology and Methodist studies and continued writing on Methodist theology.

He served on the board of trustees of the Duke Endowment, the Charlotte,
N.C.,-based philanthropic organization and chaired the board's Rural Church
Division.

As a teacher, Langford received one of the first teaching awards presented
by the Duke student government.  When he retired as divinity school
professor in 1997, Divinity Dean L. Gregory Jones said, "Tom Langford has
had an extraordinary career and unparalleled influence as a teacher, scholar
and administrator.

"He has made enormously significant contributions to the United Methodist
Church, to theological education and to Duke University," Jones said. "Tom
embodies a rare contribution: a keen and searching intellect, astute
judgment, faithful service, exemplary character and a gracious spirit.  A
master teacher, he has influenced generations of students at Duke."

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United Methodist News Service
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