Otha "Gene" Langley
June 6, 1935 ~ May 3, 2024
Signature Sympathy Cards
ROCKY MOUNT – Otha “Gene” Langley, age 88, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024. Born in Nash County, NC on June 6, 1935, he was the son of the late Otha Langley and Ida Mae Parker Langley. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Louise Matthews Langley; and his brothers, Alton Speight Langley and Larry Wayne Langley.
A man of great faith and integrity, Gene was born and raised on the family farm in which he loved. Upon graduation from NC State University, Gene began his career with Planters Bank. Soon after, he joined Belk-Tyler where he remained until he retired after 40 years. A patriotic veteran, Gene retired from the North Carolina Army National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel following over 25 years of duty and selfless service. A dedicated and loving father, proud grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. Gene will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Gene is survived by his son, Randall Keith “Randy” Langley and wife, Denise, of Battleboro; his daughter, Barbara Langley Dickens and husband, Steve, of Red Oak; his five grandchildren, Matthew Langley, Katherine Langley, Adam Dickens and wife, Courtney, Evan Dickens, and Parker Dickens; his soon to be expected great-grandson; along with many special nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.
A Graveside Service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Mill Branch Cemetery, 5597 S. Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, with Rev. Steve Webb and Rev. Chris Fowler officiating.
Visitation with the family will be on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Linda Frazier, Brenda Winstead, and JoLynne Pittman for their love and care for Gene.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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One of the true greats. It was never a dull moment when “Big Gene” was on the porch at Steve and Barbara´s! Will miss those conversations and his love for his Wolfpack. Gene and Dot are together again. God bless you my friend.
We are so sorry for your loss! Keeping you all in our prayers!
Words could never express how much I cared for this man. Under that rough exterior was the kindest, most gentle and caring man you’d ever meet. Mr Langley will be greatly missed by all of us that knew and loved him but he’s happy again reunited with the love of his life. Sending hugs and prayers for Barbara, Randy and their families.
The best Daddy I could ask for. I love you BIG!!
With deepest sympathy
Cousin Otha Gene had a larger-than-life personality, a warm spirit and a classic Nashville accent! He became a patriarch of the Langley family, and was so good about checking on our aging family members, including my mom. He was a great story-teller and embodied the best parts of a Southern gentleman. There are several spots in Nash County that will feel the emptiness left by his passing. Deepest sympathy to Randy, Barbara and their families.
In memory of my best friends dad. Barbara, a tree you can go to and talk to your sweet daddy. We love you!
so many precious memories to cherish. May God’s loving Arms surround you with comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Love to all,
Judy Bass
Dear Langley Family,
Our prayers are flowing in this time of sorry.
Mr. Langley was so important to me in my early career at Belk. Always kept me straight!
Amazing man who would do anything to help you.
For certain Heaven has gain a great Angel!
The Nagy Family
RIP Uncle Otha Gene.
Barbara and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
There are no words to express how sad I am to read of your loss. “Langley” as I called him was the second of my late Dad’s National Guard friends to pass away within just over a week. In the early 1970’s “Langley” bought a new car and sold Daddy his old one for me. I was thrilled!! In 1976 my husband and I moved into a house in Wilson with no air conditioning and were expecting our first child that hot July. “Langley” gave Daddy a large window unit of his for us! He was generous, kind, intelligent and understanding. My family was small in stature, so standing beside “Langley” was amusing, but somehow was comforting and gave a feeling of safety and security.
Daddy left notes on little pieces of paper in the books he read. Not long ago, I flipped through one, “We Were Soldiers Once …and Young” and found one. The last sentence he had typed was “After 33 years in the military I miss it and the ones I served with”. I know “Langley” was one of those he missed. On Dec. 18, 2014, “Langley” came to see my dad, who was very frail and suffering from dementia, but he knew “Langley” and it delighted him that he came to see him.
I suppose this memory sounds more about my loss than yours, but what I want to say is that after losing my parents, it is heartbreaking to lose more and more of their friends and my past. I want you to know that I will remember “Langley” and smile and I hope that you find peace, comfort, strength or whatever you need, when you need it.
I am posting a photo of “Langley” and my daddy, John S. Pollard, from the the Dec.18, 2014 visit.
With Sincere Sympathy,
Jeanette Pollard Cain
Cary, NC
In deepest sympathy for your loss. A grateful nation shares in your grief. Weave in faith and God will find the thread…
SSG George Riley
USMC/USA, Ret.
Rest in Peace Uncle Gene… You will be missed…
Sarah & Jacqueline Joyner Chartier
I will also remember Gene as a no nonsense, funny, and kind man. I am glad that I got to see him recently and I know he is at peace with his loving wife, Dottie. Prayers for the family.
Remembering you and “Otha “Gene” Langley” in our minds and in our hearts.