Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joe Langston Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Langston of Live Oak, Florida and his brother Dr. James H. Langston of Fort Walton Beach.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret Lollar Langston and children Susan Langston Morris of Birmingham and Joe L. Langston, Jr. (Melissa) of Raleigh, NC and beloved grandchildren Margaret Whitney Morris, Sarah Evelyn Langston, and Joseph Owens Langston.
Joe was born in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1954.
Following graduation, he joined the army and served two years in Special Ops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina before returning to Tuscaloosa as Student Manager of WNPT.
In 1964, Joe joined the staff of WBRC TV in Birmingham as a news reporter/news anchor. Later he joined the news team at WVTM TV, but returned to WBRC as News Director. During his years in television, he received every major award from the Associated Press and United Press International Broadcasters Association. He was inducted to the Alabama Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009. In 1989, Joe retired from WBRC TV to accept an endowed Chair in the Department of Communication at Jacksonville State University. He retired from his post as Chairman of the Department in 1998. Joe was named Outstanding Alumnus of the University Of Alabama School Of Communication in 1982, the Tuscaloosa County High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 1986, and also received the Distinguished Service Award from the University in 1988.
He served on the Board of Directors for numerous broadcasting organizations and served as President of the University Of Alabama School Of Communication Alumni Association. Joe was an active member and Deacon at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. He was a charter member of the Thursday morning "Has Been" Coffee Club.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be given to Mountain Brook Baptist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Langston
DEANNA TRUCKS
June 27, 2014
I GREW UP WATCHING HIM ON CHANNEL 6 EVERY MORNING HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED
Cliff Saxon
June 26, 2014
Birmingham Has Lost a True Television News Legend. I Vividly Remember Watching Joe Many Times On WBRC And WVTM. Thanks Joe Langston Now rest In Peace My Friend!!
Judy Langston
June 25, 2014
Joe was my dads brother. I will miss him terribly. When my father passed away 5 years ago I was comforted to know that I had Uncle Joe and that was like having part of my dad. I will miss him making me laugh till my face and jaws hurt. I saw where several people had written that he was a gentleman and that he was. I loved his voice and loved to hear him sing. I love you Uncle Joe and so very proud that I was "the" Joe Langstons niece. I love you Aunt Margaret, Susan and Joey. Dad and Uncle Joe are together again.
Margaret Schmarkey
June 25, 2014
Mr.Langston was a wonderful and kind man. I remember feeling so special when he would smile as he walked by with Joey at our elementary school. He always was the epitome of a professional in my eyes.My family has the upmost respect for this fine man. Love to the Langston family.
Bill Davis
June 24, 2014
While I never worked with or for Joe, I remember fondly listening to him on WNPT-Radio in Tuscaloosa while I was growing up -- a station that I had the privilege of working at for two years between 1967-'69. I also worked at Channel 13 in Birmingham before Joe worked there, but I knew him quite well as a true gentleman, a loyal friend, an excellent broadcaster and a fun guy to be around. He was always smiling and had a good joke or a clever one-liner to share. The last time I got to see Joe was at the funeral for Wendell Harris, my boss at Channel 13 and one of Joe's great friends, in June 2012. I'm sure Joe is updating Wendell -- and others from Channel 6 and 13 who have passed on -- with the latest news from Alabama and what's going on with with their beloved Crimson Tide. My sincerest condolences to Joe's family and long list of friends. I count myself blessed to have known and been associated with one of the best. And, man, what a great voice he had!
Dr. Jeffrey Jones
June 23, 2014
As a child, my grandparents instilled within me a respect and trust in Joe Langston. I can recall many childhood memories of our "family evening time" which included Joe Langston on the news...whether we were actually watching him or just hearing parts in the background of our family activities. I am thankful for the privilege of meeting Joe some ten or more years ago, and seeing my grandparent's eyes light up as I told them, and then hearing them tell all of their friends about our meeting! He was a true gentleman, genuine, and a Christian. I am reminded of the words in Rev. 14:13 about those who die in the Lord "...that they may rest form their labors, and their good deeds do follow after them" (Rev 14:13). Truly, the results of Joe's works will be cultivated for many years to come.
Jon Baggett
June 23, 2014
I Will Miss Joe Langston. I Watched Him On Total News On WBRC 6 In 1979
Winnie Harrison
June 23, 2014
Always enjoyed watching you as news anchor. You will be greatly missed. Prayers for your family.
Shirley Hubbard
June 23, 2014
Have missed seeing you on tv. I loved to hear you sing on Country Boy Eddie's show, especially Easter Bonnet. You will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family. God bless and be with all of you now and always.
Debbie Weldon
June 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family... RIP Mr.Langston!!
Joey Cotten
June 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and the family. A greatman who made a difference in the world and the lives of those of us who knew him. He will be missed.
Keith Wheeler
June 23, 2014
I did not know Joe personally, but he was the guy you could trust from the tv. Like a police man or a fire man. He did his job for the good of those watching. I did work with his son, A great guy with the perfect attitude for life. Joe Jr. must have got his easy demeanor from his Dad. Joe (Jr.), I'm sorry for your loss.
June 23, 2014
While working at WBRC in the early 80s, my parents came to Birmingham for a visit. I was hoping against hope that I could find a way to take my father, a huge football fan, to the Iron Bowl that year. Joe gave me his tickets.
One of many fond memories of a wonderful, generous and very funny guy ....and a helluva role model for a kid just starting out in the biz.
Bruce Burkhardt
Ron White
June 23, 2014
Joe was a couple of years ahead of me at UA in the 1950's. He was the best of us fledgling announcers in the radio-TV dept, and I enjoyed working with him at WNPT in Tuscaloosa. RIP Joe, you were a real pro!
God bless.
June 22, 2014
Great man gone to Glory!
Jerry Levin
June 22, 2014
A great professional who represented better than the best in broadcast journalism. Also the warmest most modest and humorous of human beings. It was a my good fortune to know and work with him
Brenda Shelley
June 22, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Langston family. I pray that God will give you all strength during this difficult time. I was a fan of Mr. Langston when he appeared on TV.
Linda Payton
June 22, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I remember watching Joe on TV
For so many years. He will be missed
Betty Burroughs
June 22, 2014
My aunt Maggie Latham Daniels always talked highly of Joe ! So sorry for the family.
Patty & Larry Faulkner
June 22, 2014
Dear Langston Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Your father was such a good man and we enjoyed knowing him. Love to all, Patty & Larry Faulkner
June 22, 2014
So Long Dear Friend. You have always been an inspiration to so many of us.
Peace,
Ed Boutwell
Judith Toxey
June 22, 2014
Dear Mrs. Langston...Our Dad,Bob Schlinkert, was ,of course, Joe's General Manager & colleague @ Channel 6 for years,back in the "good ole days" of Pat G., Tom Y. & Fannie F., just to name a few...he was beloved & respected by all...our condolences to you & your family ... May he rest in peace...Love & Prayers, Judy, Tom & Richard
Margie C Belcher
June 22, 2014
Thinking of you, Susan, and remembering your sweet father from talking with him in Barron Dorm's foyer at Judson College when you were a freshman & I was a Senior (Margie Compton, graduate of 1978). My sympathy to you & your family.
June 22, 2014
I did not know him personally, but watched him on television for so many years. I wanted to pay tribute to a good man and a broadcasting legend. My sincere sympathy and prayers for his family and friends. Warrene Snodgrass, Ms.
DIANE WILLIAMS
June 21, 2014
SO sorry to learn of the passing of mr.langston i remember him on channel six when i was a.child gone but never forgotton my sincere sympathy to his family.
Diane Clifton Cox
June 21, 2014
Peace to you, old friend.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Joe Langston's name
Memorial Events
for Joe Langston
How to support Joe's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joe Langston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
