Obituary of Buford Earl Latham

Buford Earl Latham passed away surrounded by his family at Viera Hospital on October 21, 2018. He was 81 years old, born on March 9, 1937. Most people knew Buford as Earl, and some in his younger days simply referred to him as “Red.” In his youth he was an athlete playing several sports for Linden High School and semi-pro baseball before joining the Navy. Earl’s naval career was remarkable in that he was one of the first enlisted to take advantage of the warrant officer program, allowing him to go from Seaman First Class all the way to Lieutenant. He defended the nation for 24 years, in times of peace and war, mostly aboard Destroyers and Aircraft Carriers. While serving during the Vietnam War, Earl distinguished himself for valor by removing ammunition from a burning ship, saving both lives and the ship. After leaving the Navy, he went to work for Pan Am World Services who provided support for Kennedy Space Center during the Shuttle program. Earl was instrumental in developing frequency-shielded lights that would aid in landing and allow the nation to see stunning night pictures of the Shuttle on the pad. Earl would say what he cherished most was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Ann Latham (who also served in the Navy); sons Kevin and Adam; daughters-in law Kathy and Suzanne; grandchildren Justin, Tim, Spencer and Margaret; their spouses and fiance’s Kim, Ginny and Cymric; and great grandchildren Isabella and Julia. Siblings included Nancy (Gordon) Boyd, Francis (John) Henderson, Dinah (James) White, Doug (Anne) Latham, and LaNell Latham. Earl has many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Earl is preceded in death by parents, Beatrice (MaMaw) McKinney Latham and Leon Latham; sisters, Annie Latham and Janie Latham. Earlier this month, in good health, Earl and Joan celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. During the event Earl expressed how fortunate it was to be surrounded by family and that he had “lived a good life.” Earl will be laid to rest with full Navy Honors at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.