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Obituary for Thomas M. Langley
Remembering the Life & Legacy of Our Beloved
THOMAS M. LANGLEY Saturday, August 27, 2016
Thomas Matthew Langley was born on November 7th, 1938 in Williamsburg County South Carolina to the late Henry and Viola Langley. Tommy was affectionately called Pop-Pop, Uncle Short, Bubba, and Deac by family and many that loved him. He was the seventh of eight children. Tommy’s love for music showed at an early age as he taught himself to play guitar using Popsicle sticks and rubber bands. Tommy was educated in the public school system in Georgetown, SC but after the death of his father in 1951, he had to leave school to help his mother support the family as a farm hand. In 1956 he relocated to Philadelphia, Pa and began working with Casper Craft Iron Works Coalition as a welder, continuing to support his family back in South Carolina. After working with Casper Craft, Tommy has held many jobs, including Inner Space Inc where he worked with Pastor Henry Busby until he entered retirement. In 1964, Tommy met the love of his life, Myrtle Kimbrough and two years later, they married. In the late 1950’s through 1960’s, Tommy cofounded a number of bands; including The Del-lites, The Radars, and The Zodiacs, which he played the lead guitar, toured the east cost and Canada, and recorded albums. He also played background for many famous musicians such as; Otis Redding, Ike and Tina Turner, Garnet Mims, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and was able to travel as far as South Africa with James Brown. In the 1970’s, Tommy decided to stay local and quit touring. Tommy accepted Christ at an early age. After attending various churches, he joined Solid Rock Baptist Church in 1989, where he played the guitar and was the minister of music. Tommy was ordained as a deacon under the late and then head pastor, Pastor John Mercer. Deacon Thomas Langley was preceded in death by: his parents, Henry and Viola Langley; two daughters, Pam Kimbrough and Nichelle Langley-Smith; two sisters, Virginia King and Clara Mae Langley; three brothers, Samuel Joseph, Henry Jr., and Willie Lawrence Langley. Deacon Langley leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Deaconess Myrtle Langley; one son, Charles; two grandchildren, Christina Culler and Clarence Smith; two sisters, Mother Rose Benjamin and Myrtle Moss-Daughty of Rock Hill, SC; two special nieces, Evangelist Belle Myers (Boonie) and Erika Powell (Buttons); one sister-in-law, Wilhelmina Cain; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
About Tommy
Deacon Thomas Langley was a humble servant of the Lord and a man who never looked at himself as being better than others. Deacon Langley had a spirit of meekness. He never complained, regardless of the circumstances. Deac continued to Praise the Lord even from his hospital bed. During his illness, if you went to see him, he would lift your spirits, witnessing about the goodness of the Lord. Whenever you asked him how he was doing, his response was always “I feel good.”
You could clearly see his health weakening but his praise was strong as he displayed gratitude and thankfulness until the very end. Deacon Langley loved the Lord and he loved people.
Aunt Sister’s Poem
Bubba your life was a Blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure Take your rest, my brother You will always be in my heart! Your baby sister, Myrtle.
Aunt Rose’s Poem
I can no longer see you with my eyes or touch you with my hands But I will always feel you in my heart… Your loving Sister, Rose.
From Cee and Chris
Those special memories of you will always bring a smile
If only I could have you back for just a little while
Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do
You always meant so very much and always will do too
The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain, but the memories and stories shared will forever remain in my heart until we meet again.