Raymond O. Lang

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. from Mamie's Chapel Cemetery in Kemper County with Bro. Chris Gully officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. departure at McClain-Hays Funeral Service.

Mr. Lang passed away February 1, 2026 at MS Care Center in Dekalb, MS.

Raymond Odell Lang was born in DeKalb, MS January 11, 1925 and was raised amongst nine siblings.  In 1943 he joined the Army to be part of D-Day and was part of the 75th Rainbow Division . He served and received medals in France, Poland and Germany. He returned home in 1945 and married Mable Burkes. They were married for 71 years, until her passing in 2018. Mr. Lang was a farmer above all and taught us how to live off the land and was known as "The Watermelon Man". He logged for 40 years and worked at the wood mill in DeKalb until it's closing in 1977. After retiring he took a job as part owner of A&R Package Store where he worked until 1994. Everyone knew Mr. Raymond and  he was of the "Greatest Generation". He treated everyone with brotherly love and kindness because in the end only kindness matters.

He is survived by a daughter; Rosa Grace King of Dekalb, MS. grandchildren; Scarlett Stephens, Carla Walton (Steve) and George Raymond King (Donna), 14 great grandchildren, 25 great-great grandchildren, 3 great-great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and their families.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years,  Mabel Burkes Lang, parents; Clarence and Beatrice Kemp Lang, 9 brothers and sisters and 1 great grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Casey McCoy, Caleb McCoy, Paul Dee McCoy, Clifton Pitts, Ross Cullum and Jacob King.

Honorary Pallbearer Justin King.