John William Lang, Sr.

John William Lang, Sr.

1927 - 2016

John William Lang, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and highly-skilled putter and chipper passed away February 10, 2016 following the essence of a life well-lived. “Doc” as he was affectionately known was born January 22, 1927 in Meridian, Mississippi; graduated from Meridian High School in 1944 and enlisted in the Army serving as an overseas veteran in WWII as Sargent First Class earning an honorable discharge in October, 1949. He enrolled at Vanderbilt University where he completed his freshman year and attended The University of Alabama graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He subsequently shouted, “ROLL TIDE!” more than the numeric system contemplates. He joined GMAC working in Jackson, MS; Baton Rouge, LA and Mobile, AL. In May, 1966, he returned to Meridian as a general manager/partner for Sellers Oldsmobile/Cadillac where he continued to enthusiastically, tirelessly and professionally further his career in the automobile industry. Doc also served on the faculty at Meridian Community College in the Business Development Center and enjoyed coaching and assisting local startup businesses.

In 1952, he married the lovely Hazel Janette Walker Lang (“Jan”), his wife of 64 years. They raised three wonderful children: Leah Dowling, John Lang, Jr. and Loraine Wegmann, married to Henry, Hannah and Scott, respectively. Six granddaughters include: Chelsea Cheff, Jilly Escude, Jennifer Savery, Preston Lang, Vivian Lang and Julie Wegmann along with four great grandchildren; Case and Taylor Cheff, George Savery and Francie Escude. He is also survived by his brother, Skeeter Lang and his sister, Winnie Middleton. He is predeceased by his parents, Wallace Preston and Ruby Lang and his daughter-in-law, Angela Lang.

Doc was adored by family and friends and garnered, nurtured and spread more goodwill in the Meridian community than one can imagine. He was a member of East End Methodist Church and Poplar Springs Methodist Church where he served as an usher and self-appointed chief coffee maker for many years.

Only behind his passion for family and friends was his love of golf and humor. Doc loved nicknames, stories, quips and the camaraderie of friends. He greatly enjoyed a social setting and revered his Boggy Branch dinner club. Easily one of the most avid golfers at Northwood Country Club, he had 26 holes-in-one and it is suspected that more would be revealed if his record keeping were more official and less humble. Seemingly, “never up, never in” pursed his lips every day of his life. Born of The Greatest Generation, Doc was always in pursuit of frugality and never saw a used golf ball he didn’t like. He once commented that if he hit the Power Ball Lottery, “I would play with a new golf glove every day!” Doc’s idea of a good restaurant wine was, “the coldest wine you have.” His many playing partners would unanimously count him as not just partner or worthy opponent, but an authentic source of entertainment. Doc had a legendary sweet tooth and spoke constantly of his favorite ice cream dessert, a Hard Head Doll. This persona and his beaming, infectious smile carried into the locker room as well. Possessing old world charm, Doc could relate to all generations with great connectivity. Jan referred to her husband constantly as, “the sweetest man ever.”

Doc also had the highest of appreciation for spectator sports including football, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc. He could watch two major league baseball teams that were nine players and several seasons from being title contenders and was enthralled by every pitch and every play.

His family and friends marveled at his lack of envy for anyone or anything, always counting his circumstances to be a blessing. He was a shining example of “it is just not about surviving the storm, it is learning to dance in the rain.”

Family and friends are invited to celebrate this life extraordinarily lived at 10:00 am on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Poplar Springs United Methodist Church located at 3937 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, services at 11:00 am immediately followed by a graveside burial at Magnolia Cemetery located at 2638 23rd Ave, Meridian, MS 39305.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Doc, please make a donation to Poplar Springs United Methodist Church, 3937 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305.