Michael “Mike” Manning Langley, 87, of Mascot, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on June 10 while surrounded by his loving family.
Born to M.J. and Catherine Leahy Langley, Mr. Langley lived most of his life in the small mining community of Mascot.
He was a godly man and a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Knoxville.
Mr. Langley was a 1956 graduate of Carter High School and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. In 1960, he graduated from St. Bernard College in Cullman, Ala., and in 1981 he earned his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee.
In 1963, Mr. Langley married Nancy Turner and they were blessed with three precious children. In 1974, Mr. and Mrs. Langley moved their family back to his childhood community of Mascot, where they and their children farmed and continued to live the remainder of their years together.
Mr. Langley began his career in the personnel department of the old American Zinc Co. In the 1960s, he was hired by St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville as manager of the personnel department.
In the early 1980s, Mr. Langley returned to the zinc-mining industry to serve as human resources manager for the Tennessee Mines Division of ASARCO, and he remained there until his retirement in 2001.
His wisdom to bring a resolve to issues was esteemed by his superiors, and he was trustworthy to all. He always endeavored to do what was fair and good for all who were involved. The legacy of his kind spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
Mr. Langley served on the board of directors for the First Choice Credit Union (former American Zinc Employees Credit Union). He was an avid Tennessee football and basketball fan, and attended both the men’s and women’s games as long as he was able to do so. He also served on the board of directors for the Barbara Abernathy House for Seniors, helping to maintain and preserve a meeting place for the seniors and residents of Mascot to gather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, M.J. and Catherine C. Leahy Langley; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Langley; his aunts, Agnes “Tag” (B.T.) Hughes and Frances (Lawrence) Simcox; uncle, Michael (Biddy) Leahy; sister-in-law, Carole Grogan; and brother-in-law, Alan Turner.
Mr. Langley will be missed greatly by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Nancy Turner Langley; children, Michelle Wilson, Michael J. (Gina) Langley, and Shawn Langley; grandchildren, Dustin Wilson, Trace (Meghan) Langley, Haley Langley, and Emily Langley; great-grandchildren, Hank and Jax Langley; brother, John (Charlotte) Langley; and brother-in-law, Robert (Marilyn) Turner.
A rosary for Mr. Langley was prayed at Bridges Funeral Home on June 27. Family and friends gathered on June 28 at Eastview Memorial Gardens for a burial service, with Father Tim Sullivan, CSP, presiding. Military honors were provided.
Donations in Mr. Langley’s memory may be made to the Ladies of Charity, 120 W. Baxter Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917.