Steve William Langston

Steve William Langston

January 24, 1951 - April 24, 2024

Newton Grove

Steve William Langston of the Bentonville Community, NC, passed away surrounded by his family Wednesday morning, April 24, 2024 at the age of 73.

Steve was born on January 24, 1951 in Wayne County, NC. He was the youngest son of the late Fred Irvin Langston and Naomi “Runt” Allen Langston. Sharply dressed in a Carolina Blue suit, he married his loving and devoted wife Glenda Dianne Millen on July 2, 1977. He is survived by his wife Dianne Millen Langston; daughter Crystal Langston Fuhrmann (Todd) of Dagsboro, DE; grandchildren Madison and Tristen; son Steven Heath Langston of Newton Grove; adopted son-in-Christ U.S. Army CPT MarkDavid Escasinas Mercado of Fayetteville; sister Gayle Smith of Knightdale; and brother Freddy Wayne Langston (Dale) of Newton Grove. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Langston Jackson and his parents.

Steve attended Meadow School in Johnston County and graduated in 1969. He furthered his education at Johnston Technical Institute, graduating in Business Administration in 1973. Steve played many games of baseball in his early family years, often ending in tournament wins and trophies. As a father, he phased into coaching t-ball, little league games and attending dance and piano recitals for his children. Once assuming the proud role of Pa, he enjoyed cheering and supporting soccer games, dance recitals and competitions with his grandchildren, even from a distance. Steve was employed throughout the years with John Deere Equipment, multiple propane and gas businesses and most recently with Carolina CRAFTmen Fence Co. LLC, of which filled his days with comradery of laughter and affinity with a great group of guys.

Steve was a life-long member of Mill Creek Christian Church in Bentonville. He was an active Disciple of Christ, serving as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, treasurer, choir member and song/spiritual leader. Steve had a way of welcoming people from the pulpit with his spiritual energy which only swelled as he tapped his toe and swayed from side to side leading the beloved hymns we all grew up singing.

Steve’s passions included his grandchildren, gatherings at the homeplace, heritage, church, community, Honor Guard, Fire Department and daily rides with loyal best friend Bailey, his yellow lab. His greatest honor was serving as Chaplin of both the Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department and the Johnston County Honor Guard, where he was able provide the families of many fellow fire service members reverence in Last Call services.  When there was a tough situation that required unspoken love, compassion, listening, understanding and spiritual recovery, Steve was one in the community often sought after. He served more than 46 years in the volunteer fire service. There is no greater legacy for Steve William Langston than leaving things better than you found them.  His reflections and life-lessons left a lasting impression on many and will further augment as we each define our own path through a broken world.

Steve’s level of care in his final days was most gracious and considerate from the responding staff as he was transported to the Emergency Department at UNC Health Johnston – Smithfield. Compassionate care continued through his time on the ICU Floor. In one of the most difficult battles on earth, he found peace and ultimately ever-lasting life through the talents and gifts shared by each of those that demonstrated a level of care as if Steve was one of their own family members.  For that, his wife and children cannot fathom the words to express their utmost gratitude.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 27, from 5:00-7:00 pm at West & Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove. A motorcade, designated as “Bailey’s Ride,” will commence on Sunday, April 28 at 2:15pm at Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department led by fellow fire service members and his loyal yellow lab in “Pa’s Truck.” The ride will summit with a funeral service at 3:00 pm at Mill Creek Christian Church and conclude with burial at Mill Creek Cemetery. More information can be found at https://www.westanddunn.com/obituary/Steve-Langston#obituary

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mill Creek Christian Church Food Pantry, 747 Mill Creek Church Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, or Bentonville Volunteer Fire Department, 3167 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.  

A great Brother in Christ, Reverend Eric Moore has always said, “Your life may be the only Bible a person ever reads.” Steve has done just that.  God Bless.

West & Dunn Funeral Home, Newton Grove, North Carolina is honored to serve the Langston Family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steve William Langston, please visit our floral store.