Tommy Levure Lang, 84, affectionately known as “Papa Tom” to his grandchildren and “Coach Lang” to the community of Piedmont, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026 in Cullman, Alabama.
Tommy was born December 1, 1941, in Albertville, Alabama, to James Sidney Lang and Emma Iduma Bowen Lang . He was the second-oldest of four children, alongside siblings Aaron, Freddy, and Katie, the youngest.
He attended Albertville High School and went on to graduate from Jacksonville State University. Tommy married the love of his life, Dena Katherine Bryan, and they had two children, Lesa and Bryan. The two remained happily married for 61 years until Dena’s passing in 2024.
After college, Tommy and Dena settled in Piedmont, Alabama, where he spent 31 years as a Physical Education teacher and drove the school bus for many years. Dena taught in the same school system, and together they built a life centered on their students and their family. Upon retiring, they traded the classroom for the shores of Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama, where Tommy could fully embrace his love of the outdoors — his farm animals, RVing, fishing, hunting and more.
Tommy cherished his family and prioritized his grandchildren with every opportunity. He was their biggest supporter and never missed a ballgame or event. He loved nothing more than hosting family reunions at their lake house.
Tommy will be remembered for his charm and his kindness. To know him was to love him. He led by example, and his life’s work was making a positive impact on his students, his children, and his grandchildren.
In 2011, Tommy faced the unimaginable loss of his daughter, Lesa. Rather than let grief have the final word, he turned it into one of the greatest impacts of his life. Lesa had started a medical equipment donation ministry before her passing, and Tommy immediately stepped in to carry it forward through First United Methodist Church of Cullman. Under his leadership for more than ten years, the FUMC Medical Equipment Ministry grew to serve over 100 families a year, free of charge. The ministry continues to thrive today as a living piece of both his and Lesa’s legacy.
Those who knew Tommy will remember his signature phrase of encouragement: “Sounds like a winner!” He was, without question, a winner at life.
Tommy was preceded in death by his daughter, Lesa Lang Holland Hawkins; his wife, Dena Katherine Lang; and his siblings, Aaron, Freddy, and Katie. He is survived by his son, Thomas Bryan Lang; and his grandchildren, Taylor Lang Holland, Bailey Holland Baker (Brett), and Ryan Thomas Lang (Ashley).
A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Cullman, with details to be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church – Medical Equipment Ministry. See www.CullmanFUMC.com.
