James "Reece" Langley of Wartburg, TN

James Reece Langley, age 90 of Wartburg, TN, died peacefully on March 25, 2018 after living a long and fulfilling life.  He loved his Lord, his family, and his friends and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed by his warmth and smile.

Reece was born on October 20, 1927 in the Joyner community near Wartburg.  Reece attended Oakdale High School and graduated from Coalfield High School.  He began his work career with the Atomic Energy Commission (now known as the United States Department of Energy) in Oak Ridge, TN before entering the United States Army during World War II.  Upon completing military service, Reece returned to his position with the Department of Energy from which he retired in 1985 as the Chief of the Property Management Branch of the Oak Ridge Operations.

Reece was married to the love of his life, Gladys Bingham, on December 20, 1953.  They were blessed with more than 64 years of marriage.   He was a longtime member of Union Baptist Church, later becoming a member of Liberty Baptist Church having served both congregations as a Deacon and Music Director.  Reece’s love of music, especially gospel music, was well known and he was willing to share his love of music.

He loved taking care of their home and yard, gardening, planning numerous trips with Gladys, University of Tennessee sports, and his children and grandchildren.  Reece had been a member of the executive committee of the Republican Party of Morgan County, a 3rd degree mason and a member of the Black Diamond Masonic Lodge in Petros, and had been an avid bowler in his younger years.

Reece was preceded in death by his parents, James H. and Edith Barger Langley, father and mother in law Ellis and Marie Bingham, sister, Alma Langley Jones, and brother Darrell Langley.  Also preceded in death by brothers and sisters in law Phillip Navas, Ellis Bingham, Jr., William “Bill” Bingham, Russell Chapman, and Georgia and Roy Shelton.   He is survived by his wife, Gladys Langley, son Wayne Langley, daughter Marie (Mike) Smithers, son Wendell (Kimberly) Langley, grandchildren Amy (Aaron) Powell, Emily (Andrew) Raulston, Andrew (Ann) Langley, Molly (Steven) Starbird, Shawn (Meredith) Langley, and great grandchildren, Tori, Gabe, Noah, Liam, Jack, and soon to be born James Langley.  Also survived by sister, Eunice Langley Navas, brothers and sisters in law Raymond Jones, Peggy Langley, Betty Chapman, Zelma Bingham, Tom and Billie Bingham, and Marlene and Larry Goldston.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday evening, March 28, 2018 at the Schubert Funeral Home in Wartburg.  Funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Liberty Baptist Church in Wartburg with the burial to follow in the Union Church cemetery in Joyner.  Dr. Paul Frick, Rev. David Acres, and Shawn Langley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church building fund.

Schubert Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.