Dedicated and loving husband, father, father figure and friend to many. He was a mentor and wise counselor to all who joined him in conversation.

  

Raymond Lathall Langston was born on October 27, 1939, in Washington, D.C., and passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. From the beginning, Ray carried himself with a steady sense of purpose— shaped by his years in District of Columbia Catholic schools and strengthened at Archbishop John Carroll High School, where discipline and determination became lifelong habits.

That purpose carried him into the United States Navy, where Ray proudly served as a Signalman—an early expression of the commitment to service and excellence that would define the rest of his life.

At St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., Ray united in marriage to Elizabeth “Jean” West, over 66 years ago, beginning a partnership that was as loving as it was enduring. Together they raised their family in Beltsville, Maryland, building a home marked by faith, love, and generosity. The memorable annual Christmas parties, and impromptu pool parties are moments that kept family and their many friends close over the years. In time, their door became known as an open one: a place of welcome and refuge, where people found support, encouragement, and the sense that they belonged.

Excellence and quiet trailblazing defined Ray’s professional pursuits. He built a distinguished 32-year career in pharmaceutical sales with A.H. Robins, later Pfizer, becoming the first African American hired as a Sales Representative. Through his leadership, his region achieved the number one ranking for several years. He retired in 1997, as a highly regarded and respected Regional Sales Manager, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and exacting standards that created a diverse and inclusive environment.

In 1991, Ray and Jean made Highland Beach their full-time home, after years of enjoying it as their summer place. There, Ray’s love for the community took on a new shape. He served as Mayor, Commissioner, and Founder of The Highland/Venice Beach Historical Commission. As Mayor, he and his administration were instrumental in obtaining funding for the purchase of The Frederick Douglass summer house—now The Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center, and also securing funding for the new Town Hall. He led the steering committee for the Annual Labor Day celebrations that united the community over the years. His dedication earned him awards from a U.S. Senator, Governors, and State and local government officials. The City of Annapolis proclaimed “Raymond L. Langston Appreciation Day” on January 16, 1996, in recognition of his lifelong achievements. Ray was also co-author of “Highland Beach on the Chesapeake Bay – the first 100 years.”

Ray and Jean gave a generous donation of books, diaries, and papers of the late Mary Church Terrell, to The Mary Church Terrell Library at Oberlin College in Ohio. They also provided significant donations of artifacts and memorabilia to The Smithsonian-National Museum of African American History and Culture and The Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center. Their contributions also helped to establish The Terrell-Langston Library located in The Highland Beach Town Hall.

He was an active and committed member of The Annapolis Rotary Club, serving on various committees and received the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow recognition. He was a member of the Hausas Club, served on The Board of The Minority Business Association, and The Board of The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. He was a mentor for the boys and girls at The Stanton Center and supported many other community organizations and businesses. In each role, Ray lived out a deep commitment to service, philanthropy, and made a lasting impact on many.

To know Ray was to know the joy of a good laugh and a good gathering. He loved reading, playing poker, watching sports, traveling-especially with The NPN group, attending cultural events, and— most of all—being with family and friends. He was known for his warmth, laughter, generosity, and for bringing people together—in the way he always made room at the table for one more. Even as he faced physical challenges, he remained steady and in good humor continuing to inspire everyone who crossed his path, including the healthcare staff who cared for him.

Ray is preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Proctor Langston; his father, Lathall Langston; his stepmother, Phyllis Terrell Langston; his brother, Thomas “Tony” Langston; and his sister, Geraldine Langston Carey.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Jean” Langston; his children, Dwayne “Tony” Langston (Tracie), Kevin Langston, and Monique Langston; his granddaughters, Marielle Langston, Nisa Morris (Miles), and Aja Langston; his great-grandchildren, Camden and Braxton Morris; and a host of extended family, relatives, and dear friends.

Ray’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and love. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched—and in the stories they will continue to tell.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. (FDMCC, Inc.), 3200 Wayman Avenue, Highland Beach, MD 21403.

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