
It is with a heavy heart that we share with you that our son, Matthew Lawrence Langston, born November 14, 1980, is no longer carrying the pain of the disease of addiction. Matthew was taken from us by this insidious, cunning disease, like so many before him, and unfortunately, so many more to follow. Matthew was a caring and loving son and brother. He passed away from a drug overdose on November 23, 2021, at the age of 41. He fought the battle for so long but the demons of cocaine and fentanyl won. He tried so many times to beat this but in the continuous cycle of addiction he finally couldn’t make it. His last words to his mom and dad as he left the house the night of his death were “I love You.” He so wanted to be sober but in the end God called him home to end his suffering. His family and friends are now only left with the precious memories of Matt to hold on to. As a child Matt was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, played football and baseball. As a child he had dark curly hair and an infectious smile. Matt knew no stranger and was a strong supportive friend for life. On the property that was his Great Grandfather’s farm in Franklin County with his Dad and three brothers he learned to camp under the stars, build a fire, cook outdoors, shoot a pistol and a rifle, run a chainsaw, drive a three speed truck, drive a go-cart and get escorted back to the farm by the Sheriff, and fire off bottle rockets, outside of the watchful eye of his Mother back home, all before he was 11. He loved going to the annual Langston/Weld family reunion at Bold Spring Church on Saturday and to the Chandler Reunion at the old homeplace on Sunday. He would have an endless appetite for all things edible and sleep on the way home on Sunday with the family and luggage all crammed in the car. Matt attended Georgia Perimeter College as well as Dekalb Technical College, before earning his HVAC Universal EPA Certification at Interactive College of Technology. Matt was not afraid of hard, dirty work. He loved working with his hands. For many years he worked construction and demolition. He later worked two jobs at the same time. One for United Parcel Service in the early morning hours, and then as an automotive service technician during the day for Mavis Tire, Bridgestone, and National Tire and Battery. He found that working on cars was his true love. He would proudly come home in the early evening and tell us of the jobs he completed in the shop bay that day.
Matt is survived by his parents, Barbara Guay Langston and David Chandler Langston of Smoke Rise, Georgia; his siblings, Nathaniel Chandler Langston of Smoke Rise, Georgia; Meredith Barbara Langston of Atlanta, Georgia; Michael David Langston of Smoke Rise Georgia; and Patrick Shannon Langston of Smoke Rise, Georgia.
Matthew was preceded in death by his grandparents Isaac Chandler Langston and Mary Godra Langston of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Raymond Roland Guay and Mary Theresa Guay of Anderson, South Carolina.
A graveside service will be held for Matthew 11:30 Wednesday morning, December 15, 2021 at Bold Spring Church.
The family in lieu of flowers is asking that donations be made to an alcohol and drug treatment center in Matthew’s memory.
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THIS YOUNG MAN PASSING. ALL TO FAMILIAR WE HEAR OF SUCH TALENTED PEOPLE BEING TAKEN FROM THIS WORLD BY THIS DEMONIC POSESSION. I TOO HAVE LOVED ONES BATTLING THIS DISEASE. MAY GOD GIVE YOU PEACE IN THIS TERRIBLE LOSE.
Thank you so much for the kind words. And you are right about this scourge that has fallen on this country. Barbara and I will pray for your loved ones. Never give up. Never let go. Always pray that they will one day find peace and solace. We firmly believe that Matt is in a better place.
Dear Uncle Dave and Aunt Barb, Nate, Meredith, Mike, and Pat: We were terribly sad to hear about Matt. What a huge loss for you guys and we are just so sorry for what you have endured. Matt was so lucky to have lived in such a loving and fun family. How terrible for those evil devices to have robbed you all and Matt of his life. We will be praying for you guys and praying for all the others in the death grip of addiction. We have some friends who have overcome it hopefully but it is something they will always have to deal with and we have others who haven’t. It is a terrible evil in this world. We just hate it that you all have lost your precious son and brother. We love you guys very much, Brent, Analisa, Teddy, Reese and Raymond Guay
I am so sorry for your lose. I will always remember him as your little boy. I don’t have the words to express my sorrow at your lose. If there is anything I can do please call. Your friend Will
Uncle David
Beautiful remembrance. There are no words to say but you are in my prayers
Matt was the best brother a brother could ever have or ask for
I will really miss the times with him drinking beer watching sports and eating Mexican food and BBQ I was very impressed with his knowledge to fix things and work with his hands he was also great with mathematical knowledge he also loved his pit bulls Rambo and Trena and brother NATE and I went with him to Stone Mountain Park were we all three walked up
He was a great loving brother that will be missed
Aunt Barb, Uncle David, Nate, Meredith, Michael, and Patrick,
I wish I could give you all, sorry — y’all, a huge hug right now. I had now idea that Matt had been struggling with addiction. I commend you for having the courage to call it out for what it is.
Matt was one of the coolest and most interesting people to talk to. I always looked forward to seeing him at family functions. Due to conflicting schedules and living several states apart, I haven’t seen him since 2004 or 2005, when he and Nate came up to see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. At that time, my (now ex-) husband and I lived just one mile from the field. I remember we took Matt and Nate to eat at a Thai restaurant called Thai Aroma, a block away from us. It must have been during Lent because I recall us talking about the Bible and scenes from holy week.
Kyrie eleison
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi,
Dona eis requiem sempiternam.
Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Lord have mercy
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest.
Oh Lord, let perpetual light shine on them.
This is just absolutely terrible. I am completely beside myself and I am so sorry that he’s not here anymore. Matthew was always kind and upbeat. I have fond memories of seeing him at the family reunions as a child. He will be in my prayers, as will all of you.
With a sad, heavy heart I say goodbye to you Matthew. I love you. I’ll see you on the other side one day many moons from today.
He’s with Jesus now with Joyce and Grandad and Mary and Isabella , so just know that he is in great company and he’s looking down on all of us with blessings, love and protection.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ‘.
Numbers 6 24-26
Kristin and I send our profound condolences to you and your family. Words fail at a time like this. This is so tragic, so sad and all too common. We have had too many friends who have experienced this tragedy–wonderful people–children, siblings, friends and family–destroyed by addition. Our hearts ache for you and your family.
May light perpetual shine upon Matt in that place where there is no sorrow nor pain and may he find the peace for which we all yearn.
Dear Dave, Barbara and the entire Langston family,
Words are simply inadequate to express the profound sorrow and sympathy that I feel for the passing of your son, brother, family member, and dear friend. The loss of a loved one is always difficult. However, it is even more compounded in tragedy when we lose our loved ones to drug or alcohol addiction. The struggles that families endure due to this terrible addiction seems never ending. However, our faith teaches us that at the end of our struggles on this journey, we will find eternal peace and comfort on the other side. May the memory of Matt continue to fill your hearts with love and may the light of his life always be a blessing to comfort you.
With deepest love and sympathy,
Judge Carol Walker-Russell
Uncle David, Aunt Barbara, Meredith, Nate, Mike & Pat – we are so sorry for your loss. I remember going to all of the family reunions growing up and having so much fun with Matt, Nate, Mike, Pat, and Meredith at the hotel and at the church and farm. So sorry to hear that he is gone so soon. We will be praying for ya’ll.
Love,
Marissa & Brandon
Dear Matt,
You will be truly missed .
I remember the time you came to visit us in Pittsburgh. My dad was laying in the bedroom in boxer shorts and the air conditioning. I told him that Julia was petting the groundhog in the backyard. When we got him all the way to the back of the yard we pummeled him with water balloons .
You locked the door so he couldn’t get back in .
You will be truly missed .
Praying for solace for the family .
Love ❤️
Amy
Miss your laugh
David or Barb call if you need anything
We are so saddened by this tragic news. May the wonderful memories you have of Matthew sustain you during this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace. Sending love.
Dear Dave and Barbara,
This is heartbreaking news. I hope the beautiful memories that you have shared will bring some measure of comfort to you and your family. Matt seems to have loved and been loved by so many in his family and community in his all-too-short lifetime.
Wishing you peace and strength for the days ahead,
Ronit
Barbara and David, I am so very sorry for this tragedy – from beginning to the end. I know you have suffered with him over the years. I am sorry for the loss of his life on earth but I am happy for his peace. I pray for the peace that passes understanding.
Dear David & Barbara, Nate, Meredith, Mike and Pat,
I am so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing and of his struggle with drug addiction. I remember him as a small boy with a head full of black curls. He was all boy! He grew into a talented and hard working young man. Matt will be missed by all who knew him.
Prayers lifted for all,
Love,
Fern
Dave, Barbara, Nate, Meredith, Mike & Pat,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can see the big smile Matt had eating Mexican food on a Saturday night in Commerce after the family reunion. A few years ago I remember talking with Matt about one of his cars- a Cutlass, I believe, and he was telling me how it would look, what color it was going to be painted and how loud it would sound from the exhaust.
We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Uncle Dan
Barbara, David, & family,
For many years all of our family so enjoyed getting together the first Saturday in August for the Langston, Weld reunion. When we began meeting each year, we had a large group of kin. We made lasting friends & it was nice to see where my mother, Pauline Gunnells Coleman grew up. For many years we would spread our delectable dish’s outside the Bold Springs UMC on a long table. After a few years a very nice fellowship hall was built & we moved inside where it was much cooler. My husband Charles always loved seeing & talking with David & Barbara’s children. Life moves on & many are no longer with us, so our numbers gradually got really small & for last several years we have not had the reunion.
I was so saddened to hear of the death of Matt. I send my love & sympathy to David, Barbara, Meredith, Nate, Patrick, & Mike. I will keep you closein prayer during this sad time. ❤️❤️
So sorry to hear about this tragic news of your son Dave and Barbara. Our heart goes to you and your family, our heartfelt condolences. May his good memories remain with you always. Praying for you and your family.
Rose & Willie Muigai
I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. Please know that you’re not alone, and we all stand with you in this time of sadness. There are no words to take away your pain but please have strength knowing you have a huge support system here to help in anyway that we can. My heart is with your family.
“The sun, the moon, the wind, the stars, will forever be around, reminding you of the love you shared, and the peace he’s finally found.”
If Matt was anything like his mother, he must have been intelligent, kind, loving, dedicated, caring, and thoughtful. If he was like his father, Judge Langston, I am sure he was very funny and a little mischievous. All of his wonderful charm make you miss Matt even more. But I hope they also leave you with so many loving memories to ease the pain, even if so ever slightly.
I am so sorry you are going through this. But I am thankful that you have so courageously shared Matt’s struggles with drugs and addiction. This helps all of us to be aware of a worldwide problem that is often overlooked.
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.” Rumi
Love,
Michael
David and Barbara,
You are all in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Matt will be missed here on earth but welcomed in heaven. He is at peace.
Love, Jill C Holder
David, Barbara and family.
Peggy and I are so sorry to read about Matt’s passing. We love you guys and miss seeing you so much. We are praying for you as you go through this difficult time. Love you bunches. Peggy n Phil
Dear Dave and Barbara, As so many others have done ,I want to express my sympathy and condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry to read of Matt’s passing. I pray there is some comfort that he no longer struggles with addiction, I met Matt once only, I believe, at Dave’s retirement(?) party, and he was as friendly and pleasant a young man as he could be. I know he was a good son to you, and a good brother to Nate, Meredith, Mike an Patrick. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. From his picture I can tell….what a great smile! Very inviting and welcoming. OSAH is yours, and Barbara’s, “family,” too, so please call on us if there is anything we can do. We are all thinking about your family right now, and wishing you comfort and peace in the difficult days to come. Sincerely, Barbara Brown
Dave, Barb and Family,
My deepest sympathy for such a colossal loss. There are no words that will make this better, just know that nothing will ever take away your memories. May your most cherished memories of Matt and the love of family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you – please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. All my love.
Dave and I want to thank everyone for their words of condolence as we come to deal with our grief over the loss of our son, Matthew.
Every day is better than the day before, but we still have days when the grief seems insurmountable and it comes over us like a dark cloud. Know that we feel your love and prayers.
Love,
Barbara & Dave
My family and I send our deepest condolences to your entire family. From what I’ve read about Matthew he sounds like he was and is surrounded by love from so many. Wishing you peace and healing love to help you through this sad time. God bless you all.
Mom and Dad
Thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful brother I know we had our differences but Matt was a great brother. He worked really hard too achieve a lot in life. He worked two jobs when I was only working one. I remember the good times we had together going too the Braves Game in Chicago and visiting Wrigley Field. I miss the field it was really cool. I enjoyed staying in the hotel and drinking beer and eating at all the restaurants. I will never forget the memories we had. I also miss the time me you and Mike walked up Stone Mountain. We walked up and down the mountain Mike wanted too quit but you would let him. I also miss the times you me and Mike watched the Braves and the Hawks on tv.
Mom and Dad Matt was the best brother I could ask for I really miss him
Dave and Barbara,
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven’t been in touch with you in quite a while, but I felt I had to express my sympathy to your family. A loss of a child is something that no one is ever able to come to terms with. My prayers are with you.
May you feel surrounded by the love and prayers of all of those who have gathered around you, whether close by, or at a distance.
Matt-
My dog whisperer is being laid to rest. Matt never knew a dog he couldn’t win over. He loved his Pitties! He always wanted to convince people to love Pitt Bulls the way he did. Matt was a loyal life long friend, loving son and brother. He will be missed but I am comforted by the fact that he is in a better place and has found the peace that the drugs kept from him here on earth.
Love,
Mom
PS Matt – Nate and Mike are are doing a wonderful job of taking care of Rambo in his last years with us.
Dear Son-
You came into this world early. God tried to call you Home in the hospital, but we asked and prayed that he let you stay. He did bless us and we named you Matthew – A Gift From God. You were, are, and forever will be a precious gift that God gave to us for such a short period of time.
God called you Home again early in your life. This time it was to end your pain and suffering. I am so sorry that I could not have done more for you here in this life. The extreme pain and suffering that you have endured these last few months are now over and you are at peace with the Lord in a place that will give you eternal happiness.
The words that your brothers have said about you tells all who read these comments of what a loving family member that you could be. I am sad for you that it could not have been more.
The Lord works in strange and mysterious ways. His ways are not for us to question, but only to accept as the way of the world.
I love you son. I always have and I always will.
-Dad
Dear Langston Family, this is so heartbreaking, and we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are not alone, and we are here for you. Words are so insufficient at a time like this, but Treya specifically wanted Mr. Dave to know that she is here for you as you have always been there/here for her. She also wanted you to remember the “Snowman”. Whenever she prays, she turns on the snowman because the snowman repeats her prayers, and she says God hears them twice which is good. God hears you all and He is hurting as well! May God continue to keep you in His loving arms of protection during this time of pain. Blessings and love from the Hightowers – James, Victoria, Mesha, Jayme, Jessika and Treya!
Dear Langston Family,
My heart and mind are with you now over the loss of Matt. It’s hard to express how much he will be missed. He was a kind hearted, hardworking, very accepting person. His boisterous laugh and broad smile, boundless energy, along with his Langston appetite, made every family reunion that much more special. One of the more memorable experiences we shared was when Matt visited Pittsburgh. We had an enjoyable afternoon at Kennywood Amusement Park. He was not excited about going on a roller coaster, but did it anyways, and we laughed about it then and years to come. He is now in a better place and finally at peace. Matt.. we will miss you, Cuz. Take Care.
Mathew,
I just want to hug you one last time. The thought of you not being on earth makes be cry. Matt, you know you are always riding with me as I pass the city and look at the hills doted with houses and according to your keen observation, “no two exactly alike”. You loved the beauty of Pittsburgh, which is sometimes called the “Paris of Appalachia”.
Some theologians say that death is God’s way of taking someone from evil into glory. No more looking into the faces of evil drug dealers. Now you can hang out for eternity with the Captain, Buster Joynes , Uncle George, Joyce, and your many great relatives. I am sure Christmas dinner you be just like your mothers with the addition of Busters incredible on a very big beautiful table. You will be surrounded by the protection and love of your new family.
Matt you were a good teacher. You showed how to to lay my clothes out the night before. Something he told me his mother taught him. He exact words to be were “Uncle Donald you’re a mess, let show how to get ready for the next day.”
Matt was a Southern Gentleman, always using the words “Uncle Donald”, “Aunt Joyce, “Yes Sir”, and No Sir”. Matt had character, always trying to do the the right thing and working hard with what God gave him. I remember the night before his final exam in a reading course he refused to go to sleep because he didn’t think he could get up early in the morning. By the way he did very good in the course, with the teacher commenting he can remember parts of the book better than she could.
Matt, you are always with me. One day we will be together in glory, I can’t wait to hug you and tell you I love you.
Your Uncle Donald
Dear Matt, I left your funeral feeling uplifted. I was touched by the love and support your family and friends have for you and each other.
Thank you for the time you gave us.
I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I did not know Matt but, I am blessed to know Judge Langston and he is a very honorable man. Can’t imagine a greater grief than a parent losing a child. I pray your family find strength reminiscing the joyful times with Matt.
Matt Langston was my boyfriend at the current time of this sad event that happened wanted me to let his mom and dad know that he wanted you guys to think of him in the best way possible and show you that he could do the right thing me and Matt had several conversations about how he only wanted to make you proud and that is all he was looking to do but to make you guys think of him as a son that you knew he could always be I am truly sorry for this sad occurrence that happened he just really wanted to show you guys that he could be this Sunday that you knew he could always be I’m deeply sorry for this loss sincerely Felicia Banks