From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Former Birmingham and Fairfield mayor Larry Langford has died, according to a statement from his family.
Langford also served on the Jefferson County Commission and was one of several commissioners convicted of crimes while in office.
Mary Buckelew, Jeff Germany, Chris McNair, Gary White and Langford all served on the commission and all pleaded guilty or were found guilty for crimes committed during their terms. Buckelew, White and Langford served together.
Langford received the longest prison sentence, 15 years, of all the convicted former commissioners. That sentence was commuted to time served by federal judge Scott Coogler after Langford fell ill around Christmas at the federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky. Langford recently returned home to Birmingham where he remained under house arrest.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the transitioning of the legendary Larry Paul Langford,” according to the statement issued by Langford’s family.
“Langford, 72 years of age, transitioned shortly after 6 p.m. this evening at Brookwood Princeton Hospital surrounded by ‘his girl,’ wife, Mrs. Melva P. Langford, family and a few close friends.
“Although the appropriate words cannot express the loss of our beloved Larry, we find comfort in memories, his wisdom, faith, and courage.
“Let the work he’s done speak for him.”