GATES – John Robert Langston, 90, of 306 Gatlington Road, Gates, peacefully passed away, Monday, September 16, 2013, surrounded by his family, in the home where he was born.

Mr. Langston was born in Gates County and was the son of the late John Robert, Sr. and Lelia Mary Lawrence Langston, and was proud to be the fifth generation to live in the family home.

A retired farmer, storekeeper, Union Camp employee, and Gates County Magistrate, he was a member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, the Gates Ruritan Club, the Gates Hunt Club, the Gates County Historical Society, was an organizing member of the Gates Volunteer Fire Department, and was an Army veteran of World War II.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Tommy Franks.

Surviving are his wife of over 63 years, Frances Anne Goodwin Langston; two daughters, Paige Langston Franks of Chesapeake, VA and Mary Edith Langston St. Denis and husband, Dale, of Dallas, TX; a sister, Mary Langston Willey and husband, Tom, of Gaston; three granddaughters, Amanda Franks, Meredith Franks and Hannah St. Denis; a grandson, Walter Langston St. Denis; a great-grandson, Logan Beacham; and a host of cousins and extended family members, including Sarah Langston Parker Haddock and Ken and Cathy Jernigan.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church by the Revs. Cody Brinkley and Billy Presley.  Burial will follow in Holy Neck Church Cemetery, Suffolk, VA with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, handling arrangements.

Friends may join the family in the social hall of Reynoldson Church immediately following the funeral service, and prior to the graveside rites on Thursday, and all other times at the home.

Flowers are welcomed or contributions in his memory may be made to Vidant Hospice, P.O. Box 272, Ahoskie, NC  27910, or to the Gates Volunteer Fire Dept., Gates, NC  27937.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Michael Ponder, his nurse Judy Phelps, and Vidant Hospice for the wonderful care given to their loved one during this last illness.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.