JOHN REUBEN LANGFORD

John Reuben Langford worked hard all his life. Born Aug. 23, 1926, on a small farm just a walk through the woods from the home where he spent his latter years. He labored with his parents and six siblings, driving mules and farming peanuts and cotton.

While serving during World War II on a carrier in the Pacific, he did other sailors’ laundry to send money home. He used his G.I. Bill funds to graduate from Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine. There, he met his wife of 63 years, Rebecca Scarbrough Langford. They reared two sons.

After establishing one of the first veterinary clinics in Daytona Beach, Fla., he went on to serve on the executive board of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association; as president of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association; and as president of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, as well as acheiving other professional accolades.

On the rare occasion he took a break from professional responsibilities, he researched his family genealogy at libraries around the country. He was proud to tell people his ancestors made the crossing from England as early as 1630. Passionate about heritage, he was involved in the Sons of the American Revolution and was a 33rd degree Mason.

Returning to Dozier, ostensibly to retire, he began a second career in forestry.

After attending the forestry school at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, he spent hours cruising his red Lincoln Towncar through the forests he cultivated in Loblolly and Longleaf pines. As with his veterinary practice, his dedication led to excellence. He chaired the Covington County Forestry Committee; became the only landowner to twice win the Covington County Outstanding Treasure Forest Award; won the Southeast Regional Helene Mosley Treasure Forest Award; was the Statewide Outstanding Tree Farmer and outstanding landowner, among other accolades. He was an enthusiastic ambassador for re-establishing Longleaf pines in the region of Alabama that was so significant to his legacy.

Dr. Langford loved watching college sports with his family and telling stories about growing up in Dozier and treating animals.

A dedicated church member, he spent most of his adult life teaching Sunday school. He went home to the Lord on Tue., Dec. 10, 2013.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca S. Langford; his son, Gary (JoAnn) Langford, D.V.M.; brothers, Murray Langford and Fred (Dorothea) Langford; and grandchildren, Shawn Carey, Ellison Langford, Kemper Langford and Foster Langford.

He was predeceased in death by sisters, Anava and Faye; brothers, Robert and Jordan; and a son, Duffy.

The memorial service will be held today, Thur., Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Andalusia, with visitation at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to lunch at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to Crossover Ministries (508 Highway 52 Opp, 36467) or Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at First Baptist Church of Andalusia (700 East Three Notch Street Andalusia, 36420).

 

BETTY JO SHORT HOLLINGSWORTH Betty Jo Short Hollingsworth, 65, of Opp, died Tue., Dec. 10, 2013.

A graveside service will be held Fri., Dec. 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Bethel Cemetery, with the Rev. Brent Cook officiating.

She is survived by two sons, Kevin (Joy) Owens of Opp and Brian (Misty) Hollingsworth of Georgia; one brother, Ronnie Short of Mississippi; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Frances Short; a son, Brandy Owens; and an uncle, Tommy “Hank” Short.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

ROMAINE TEATE TADLOCK

Romaine Teate Tadlock, 80, of Andalusia, died Sun., Dec. 8, 2013, in Pensacola, Fla.

Graveside services will be held today, Thur., Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery with Dr. Fred Karthaus officiating, and Foreman Funeral Home directing. The family will meet with friends at the cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Tadlock of Andalusia; a daughter, Tamela Tadlock of Pace, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Kirk Tadlock of Land O’ Lakes, Fla.; four grandchildren, Tyler Tadlock, Bradford Ellis, Brianne Viveiros, John David Viveiros; a brother, William Cylvester Teate of Houston; and three sisters, Janette Locklier, Patricia Northrop and Johnnie King.

Those unable to attend the services may sign the guest registry online at foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

NANCY

MCCORMICK

Nancy McCormick of Andalusia died Tue., Dec. 10, 2013.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Keahey Funeral Home.

 

ESTER LORRAINE CAPPS

Ester Lorraine Capps, 81, formerly of Andalusia, died Tue., Dec. 10, 2013, at Prattville Baptist Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Fri., Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Joey Bentley officiating. Interment will follow at Able Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at Foreman Funeral Home.

She is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Wallace of Prattville, Phyllis Fowler of Prattville and Virginia Sellers of Montgomery; five sons, Donald Capps of Wetumpka, Ricky (Cindy) Capps of Billingsley, Dennis Capps of Montgomery, Melvin Capps of Andalusia and John Capps of Prattville; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include Kenny Fowler II, Ricky Capps Jr., Tanner Sutton, Dalton Burns, David Brackin and Dwight Capps.

Those unable to attend services may sign the guest registry online at foremanfuneralhome.com.