Walter John Lang

Walter John Lang, 64, of Peachtree City, GA, passed peacefully at home on October 20, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Melisa "Lisa" Lee Lang, his children Nathan (Cynthia), Ashley (Josiah Weeks), and Kaitlin (Eric Rogstad) Lang, and their mother Kathy Lang, his step-children Marilyn, Vivian, and Henry Hohl, his granddaughters Juniper, Olive, and Phoebe Weeks, and his seven siblings Carol (Kit) Mathis, Suzie (Bob) Moberly, Leeny (Steve) Turkowski, Michael (Laura) Lang, Tommy Lang (Melanie Jarvis), Ginny (Albert) Hammill, and Matthew (Marie) Lang, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Walt was born in Silverton, Oregon on November 30, 1960 to Mary Sheila O'Connor Lang and Colonel Vincent Lang. After moving between military bases during his childhood, his family settled at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Walt graduated from Reid Ross High School. Walt earned a degree in plant biology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Soon thereafter, Walt joined the U.S. Navy and pursued a career in aviation, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. During his time in the Navy, he flew Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, trained new pilots, and spent time stationed in Puerto Rico. Walt joined Delta Air Lines in 1991, where he flew for 25 years, traveling the globe and attaining the rank of captain.

Always the life of the party, Walt is remembered by his loved ones for his boisterous laugh, loudly singing '80s rock ballads, and uncanny depth of knowledge about the Tolkien universe. He loved cars, especially his 1960s-era Corvettes, and watching Formula One racing. He was known for his animated storytelling and for making comedic declarations, including "I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." Behind this playful character, Walt was a man of deep generosity and a model of kindness to all.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Stony Creek Presbyterian Church (2140 Stoney Creek Church Rd, Burlington NC 27217). Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.