Message from Bonne Oursler
August 20, 2017 3:27 PM
Dear Family, I don't think we ever had the pleasure of meeting, but I know you are all very special people. Your parents were known, admired and loved as Friends. Sue Wager introduced me to John and Hilda and we had many fine times together and made fond memories. Both of your parents will be greatly missed. They were very kind to me and I enjoyed their gracious hospitality at their home and John's "pouting house". I am enjoying your father's memoirs and honored that he gave me a copy. Blessings to you all at this stressful time. Love & Friendship, Bonne Oursler
Message from Dianne and Mike Newton
August 14, 2017 8:36 PM
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have always had the most respect for your father and mother who did so much good to all and have encouraged so many others to be the best they can be. God Bless You with comfort during this difficult time and hopefully the love and support from others and the wonderful memories of your family and father will give you peace....
Message from Vernon Stubbs
August 13, 2017 12:37 PM
Im truly sorry for your loss. Although we all lose someone I hope you may take some comfort in knowing Dr. Langley was a man who made an mark of excellence on all his students. The fine arts program will be something i appreciate and remember for the rest of my life and would not yave that if not for Dr. Langley. Although i can not ease your pain just remember that there will be many who will always keep a place in their heart for Principal Dr. John.Langley
A candle was lit by Wanda Moore
on August 12, 2017 8:54 PM
Message from James Stubbs
August 12, 2017 2:39 PM
My condolences to Dr. Langley's family. He was truly a great man. My life is much richer for having known him.
Message from Mal Brown
August 12, 2017 1:50 PM
Dr Langley was a giant of a man. He was respected by so many. I considered him
one of the top 2 or 3 educators that I have ever met. It was such a pleasure working with him during.my time in Richmond County. Not only did I have great respect for him, I also liked him so much. I considered him a great friend. Richmond County was so lucky to have had the services of this giant of a Man.
Message from Bill Eubanks
August 12, 2017 1:07 PM
So very sad to learn of Mr. Langleys passing! One of my favorite Principals who knew every one of us by name at RJHS! He was always smiling in the halls as he would greet us each day! He brought Fine Arts Week which to this day, us "kids" still remember very vividly!
Thank you Mr Langley! You'll be missed!
Bill Eubanks
RJHS Class of '81
Message from Mary Rudd Crichton
August 12, 2017 12:51 PM
Mr. Langley was a shining role model, not only as an educator, but as a husband, father, and Christian. The world would be a better place with more men like him. Praying for peace and comfort for his loved ones.
Message from ctatum@mediasalad.com
August 12, 2017 11:19 AM
As I shared with my Facebook network:
I was all dressed up, hair carefully brushed and pinned back, the afternoon I met with Rockingham Junior High School Principal John Langley. I asked for our after-school meeting after receiving word that I had not been assigned to a new communications and typing class for rising 9th graders. I desperately wanted to be in that class -- and was told the only way for that to happen was for me to get Dr. Langley's written approval.
So, I decided to write Dr. Langley a letter explaining my hopes of becoming a journalist someday, and I asked his secretary if I could hand-deliver it. "Of course," she said, penciling me in for the following week -- which gave me plenty of time to agonize over what I would write. Boy, did I agonize.
And then I agonized some more as I watched Dr. Langley read the thing -- without cracking a smile. Those rank right up there with the longest minutes of my life. When he was finished, he looked over the top of the reading glasses perched on the end of his nose. He said very little very matter-of-factly. His words are seared in my memory:
"Thank for your sharing this with me, Miss Tatum. Your grammar, spelling and penmanship are very good. Your position is well stated. You have demonstrated the persistence you will need for a career in journalism. I will make arrangements."
And that was that.
Many years later, while covering a school board meeting in suburban Chicago for the Chicago Tribune, I watched a principal practically beg for additional funding to cover the costs for instruction in art, music and -- drum roll, please -- communications. I immediately thought of Dr. Langley, who worked tirelessly to provide world-class teaching and exposure in those very subjects to children like me who were growing up in rural North Carolina. It was because of him that we were exposed for two full weeks of each school year to jazz greats, master storytellers, renowned artists and artisans, the ballet, poet laureates and live theatre. As I watched the meeting in metro Chicago, I wondered if Dr. Langley had to make similarly heated and courageous demands for my classmates and me. I wondered if my career path would've been the same had he not opened the door for me that he did.
John Langley -- an extraordinary educator and advocate for children whose work received numerous awards, including an honor from the Kennedy Foundation and national coverage from fellow North Carolina native Charles Kuralt -- died Aug. 10 at age 90. My sympathy for his family and friends -- and for all of the RJHS Rockets out there who understand the loss.
Message from Melissa Boyd
August 12, 2017 10:25 AM
If your spirit lingers, Dr. Langley, please read this. Thank you so much for giving me the decade of teaching experience at RJHS that has shaped me in the classroom for the rest of my teaching life. Your brilliant administration was a precious gift, and I have measured all others by your standards. None have ever compared because I never found another principal who so truly believed that in our classrooms we are "standing on sacred ground." Thank you for the years I spent under your wing and I wish you "Good night and Godspeed." Love always, Melissa Boyd
A candle was lit by Melanie stewart
on August 12, 2017 8:57 AM
Message from Iris Hinson
August 11, 2017 10:37 PM
Sorry to hear about John. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Message from Stephanie Coleman Davis
August 11, 2017 9:18 PM
I remember Dr. Langley as someone who made a difference in my life. As the principal of Rockingham Junior High, his devotion to the students and his " larger than life" presence and vision for what we could be and do was contagious. He lead with strength and humility, and the Fine Arts Week we had every Spring was a highlight of my years there. I still remember
many of the word class artists and musicians who came to our school. It was life-changing . Thank you, Dr. Langley, for your heart and your leadership and for being you. We were all better because of it .
A candle was lit by Norman & Carolyn Gibson
on August 11, 2017 9:04 PM
Message from Tammy
August 11, 2017 8:46 PM
Dear Wanda, my deepest condolences go out to you and your families. As an adult I can admire your father. As a child at RJH, I feared him. All my best to you, Tammy Bowersock Reynolds
Message from Jo Beth Murphree DeVore
August 11, 2017 8:32 PM
I thought so much of Dr. Langley. He believed in me and was a supportive role model for me ,during the hardest time in my life. Thanks to him believeing me , my life now is a living example of his gift of hope and love for his students. He will be a forever part of my life and memory. I will never give up or give in because he helped me love myself again. I send all my love and support to his family. Thankyou.
A candle was lit by Kim Kelley Longbottom
on August 11, 2017 7:19 PM
Thank you for being such a great principal. Prayers for the family!
A candle was lit by Kim Kelley Longbottom
on August 11, 2017 7:17 PM
Message from Martha Vetter
August 11, 2017 6:51 PM
Dear Lynn, Wanda, Beth and Temus, It makes me sad to know that your father has moved across the veil into the presence of God. He was a remarkable man and served his family, friends and community well. I still remember him at Rockingham Junior High School standing outside the school at the end of the school day while the buses were filling up and we were walking home. And let me take this opportunity also to say that that your mother was always such a gentle soul. They both have many stars in their crowns in heaven. God bless you all! Graciously, Martha
Message from Claudia Mier
August 27, 2017 11:30 PM
Dear Lynn, Wanda and Beth! So so sad to hear about John! I will allways miss him, as well as your mother. I was a 13 year old mexican girl when I first met you all! The year I spent with you as an exchange student and the different trips your mom and dad made to Mexico, having a beautifull relationship with my parents, is something I will never forget! I wish I had had the opportunity to go to Rockingham and give you all a big hug, but the distance is too far.. I send you all my love all the way from Mexico!