Dr. Michael Neal Leblang

Dr. Michael Neal Leblang died on Sunday, June 30, 2024, following a lengthy illness. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Leblang was born on March 22, 1947, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Emanuel and Millicent Albin Leblang. A proud graduate of Grimsley Senior High School, he never missed a reunion. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Guilford College in Greensboro in 1969, then attended the prestigious Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1973.
Dr. Leblang was a distinguished practicing physician and educator. Following a three-year residency in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and 11 years in private practice at Charlotte's (N.C.) Eastway Medical Clinic, he accepted the position of Associate Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, in 1988. He served in that role for 16 years, becoming a well-known and highly respected member of the medical community in Savannah. He also served in several roles in the Georgia Medical Society, including as president in 2003.
Some of Dr. Leblang's other notable achievements in medicine include serving as the Medical Director of Georgia Correctional Healthcare at Rogers State Prison in Reidsville (Ga.) and joining the faculty at the Mercer University School of Medicine as Assistant Professor of Community Medicine. In 2018, he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Leblang had a zeal for life and enjoyed a range of hobbies. He was a music lover with a special fondness for the Beatles. He was a naturally curious man, a trait that manifested through a delight for reading, studying history, and world travel. He loved classic cars and owned several, which he proudly displayed as part of the Savannah Mustang Club. He was a passionate fan of both professional and college sports, especially his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. His love of sports was never stronger, though, than when he joyfully watched his grandchildren play basketball and soccer.
Dr. Leblang and his wife, Sherry, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 23 of this year. He is survived by her and their four children - Karen (Matt) Hutcheson, Jonathan (Jennifer), Mark (Kendra), and David (Elizabeth) - as well as by eight grandchildren: Elle, Andrew, and Will Hutcheson and Price, Connor, Emily, Wesley, and Adam Leblang. Dr. Leblang is also survived by his two younger brothers, Dr. Steve (Linda) Leblang and Lonnie Leblang, as well as by his eight nephews and nieces.
Anyone who knew Dr. Leblang knew of his love for dogs. He and Sherry adopted several over the years and took great pride in providing a loving home for them. Contributions honoring Dr. Leblang may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah with thanks from his family.
Dr. Leblang was a longtime member of Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, and his funeral will be presided over by the synagogue's spiritual leader, Rabbi Robert Haas. The graveside service will be held at historic Bonaventure Cemetery on July 26, 2024, at 10:30 am., with a celebration of life to follow.