David (Dave) Lang, Jr.

David (Dave) Lang, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 19, 2026 with family by his side. The consummate gentleman and public servant, he deeply loved God, his family, his church, and history. He is now joyfully reunited in heaven with Mary Alma, his true love and wife of 65 years. Their marriage was a wonderful example of love, commitment, and support for their family and all who knew them. A sixth generation Floridian, Dave was born on July 9, 1932 to Liska Elizabeth Collins and David Lang. He was a proud descendant of the first Langs who settled along the St. Mary’s River near King’s Ferry in 1784. At the age of 5, his family moved to Tallahassee from Trenton, and he had found his home. Dave graduated Florida State University with a degree in Public Administration, and immediately went into the US Army, serving with the 2nd Armored Division in Occupied Germany. He continued his service with the Army Reserves, and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He was awarded the Army Humanitarians Medal for his participation in the 1980 Cuban Boat Lift Operation. He always considered himself to be a public servant, and dedicated 42 years to the Clerk of Courts office. In 1992, he was elected Clerk and served until his well-deserved retirement in 2001. A few of his accomplishments during his tenure include being named 1969 recipient of The Capital Press Club’s Headliner Award for his work to keep the public and media informed; increasing the diversity of employment and supervisory ranks; instituting a Child Support Enforcement Program; and being the first Clerk in the United States to digitize public records and provide them online for easy public access. He loved engaging with the public in his role, and meeting and developing friendships with people from all walks of life. He never met a stranger, and served as a role model and mentor to many. Those he touched felt a life-long connection. Following a unanimous vote by the Tallahassee City Commission, Jefferson Street adjacent to the Leon County Courthouse was officially renamed and dedicated “Dave Lang Street” on March 2, 2026 in recognition of his legacy and 40+ years of service. Mayor John Dailey surprised and honored Dave with a key to the city. The ceremony and recognition were, in Dave’s words, “a tremendous honor that put the cherry on top.” Dave has always been involved in community affairs and civic activities, serving in leadership roles with The John G. Riley House Museum; founding member of the Riley House Foundation Board; Habitat for Humanity; Springtime Tallahassee; Tallahassee Lions Club; Town Club; St. John’s Episcopal Church; as a founding member with Mary Alma of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral; and as long-time member and president of the Tallahassee Historical Society. History, especially local history, was one of Dave’s strongest passions. He had an encyclopedic memory, and could relay a story for every family, site, and event. Following his retirement, he loved researching and preserving local history and became a treasured resource. He was an in-demand speaker, frequent podcast guest, and loved taking friends (especially four young ladies he called “his angels” who brought much joy to his life) on driving tours of Tallahassee. We give glory to God for how He loved our father his last season of life through his many friends and the “church”, especially his Men’s Bible Study Group at St. Peter’s. God was walking alongside him. Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Alma. He is survived by daughter Susan Elizabeth Lang of Tampa; Sandra Lang DeAngelis and husband, Dax, of Jacksonville; son Charles David (Chuck) Lang and wife, Patty, of Tallahassee; and five grandsons, Dain Reynolds DeAngelis (Zoey), Charles (Charlie) Barron Lang (Sarah Grace), David Horace DeAngelis, Jonathan Roberts Lang, and Collin Bradford Lang. He will be forever cherished for the love and support he showed his children and grandchildren who each adored him. Services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2pm at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, 4784 Thomasville Road, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral at 4784 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Florida, 32309; or Big Bend Hospice at 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308. Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Lang family with their arrangements.

Tributes

David (Dave) Lang, Jr.

July 9, 1932 - April 19, 2026