.jfif)
Born on March 26, 1933, in Natchez, Mississippi, Bob was the son of Robert Percy and Vannie Langley. After attending California Polytechnic State University, where he majored in Aeronautical Engineering, he proudly served two years in the U.S. Army in Germany. Following his service, Bob pursued a career training thoroughbred horses in California, working as both a trainer and jockey on the Santa Anita and California circuits from 1956 to 1971. He also managed the horse farm of noted actor Dennis Weaver, famous for his role as Chester in the long running TV series, Gunsmoke.
After returning to Mississippi, Bob redirected his lifelong love of travel into a new career in aviation. Over the next 35 years, he logged more than 8,000 hours as pilot-in-command, flying both single and multi-engine aircraft and his own open cockpit bi-wing airplane. In 2012, he became the manager of the Louisville-Winston County Airport, a role he held with pride and dedication for over a decade.
Bob’s enduring passion was aviation. A familiar and welcoming presence at the local airport, he was often seen on his bicycle greeting arriving pilots and guiding aircraft to their ramp or fueling stations. His generosity, hospitality, and deep aviation expertise made him an enduring figure at the airport and in the community. A devoted ambassador for the Civil Air Patrol, he shared his knowledge with young cadets and helped shape future aviators.
Bob is survived by his former wife, and the love of his life, Patricia Langley Harris, and daughter, Windham “Windy” J. Langley McClain, and his grandchildren Ronald Hodges, Jonathan Hodges, Denice Hodges, Lincoln Day and Liam McClain. He was preceded in death by his parents and children Caron Langley Day, Joel Robert Langley, and David Gordon Langley.Bob lived a full and active life as a horse trainer, jockey, independent truck contractor, commercial pilot, and airport manager—a life defined by passion, service, and the joy of flight.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 31, at Porter Funeral Home in Louisville. Visitation will begin at noon, with services at 1 p.m., followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Mike Childs officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mississippi Civil Air Patrol.