Gerald was born to Lester and Mary Ford Langley in Edgecombe County on April 26, 1950. He graduated from South Edgecombe High School where he was a letterman in baseball. A devoted husband and father, he brought energy, passion, and unwavering support to every arena he entered.

He built a professional career marked by versatility, skill, and dedication. Early on as an insurance agent, he earned the trust of colleagues and clients alike. He then embarked on a decade-long stint as a professional photographer and small business owner of Sunset Studios where he used his keen aesthetic eye to capture life's most cherished moments for all his customers. His business was named after his favorite thing to photograph, sunsets. Later he worked in the real estate industry for 25 plus years as an appraiser. His hard work, deep understanding of his fields, and kind personable nature led him to success in all his professional ventures prior to his retirement in 2023.

A pillar of support for his family, he was more than just a husband and father; he was a coach, mentor, and cheerleader. He was heavily involved as a volunteer coach and league administrator for many of his sons' sports teams, not just to teach fundamentals but to instill values of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. He was instrumental in the start-up of the South Edgecombe Summer Recreation League and specifically returning league games to what was then known as the Lions Club Community Field in Pinetops, NC. The community league is still in existence today and still plays at the same field. He will be remembered for dedicating his time and efforts that led to countless memories for his family and many other families for years to come. In addition to his children, he also found immense pride and joy in following his wife's high school basketball team, always cheering from the sidelines with love and admiration. His unwavering support carried through to his grandchildren in later years. Whether attending games, recitals, or family milestones, he was their biggest fan, always present with a proud smile and words of encouragement.

Much of his life involved a passion for sports that would become a defining feature of his life. From an early age (well before the glory days as he would say), he developed a deep allegiance to Duke basketball, rarely missing a game and proudly donning Duke blue no matter the season. His enthusiasm for the team extended beyond fandom as it was a way for him to bond with loved ones, sharing countless memories around games, debates, and celebrations of victories.

Gerald will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and steadfast love of his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra Shelton Langley; sons, William Alex Langley and wife Jessie, and Shelton Gray Langley and wife Mary; Grandchildren, Olivia and Mason Langley and Lennox and Lyllian Langley; sister Donna Langley Cannon and husband, Anthony.

Gerald is preceded in death by his father, Lester Langley, and mother, Mary Ford Langley.

A celebration of Gerald's life will be held on Monday, November 25 at 11:00 AM at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro, NC. The family will also receive visitors at Carlisle on the evening of Sunday, November 24 from 6 pm - 8 pm.