“Yea though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” — Psalm 23:4
On March 24, 1954, Lang Bens, Jr., was born to Thelma and Lang Bens Sr. He was the first African American baby born at the Glynn- Brunswick Memorial Hospital, now Southeast Georgia Health System.
He was educated in Glynn County School System and attended Perry Elementary, Mollette Junior High School, Risley High School and ultimately graduated from Brunswick High School in 1972.
After graduation he started working at the Brunswick Pulp and Paper Mill (now Georgia Pacific Cellulose) where he retired after 44 years of service. His wife Valerie preceded him in death 5 years
ago after 30 years of marriage. Through this union a blended family was formed.
He joined St. Paul A.M.E. Church at early age. He attended and participated in many church activities. He also served as a Trustee. As a child, he loved baseball and music. He was secretly musically inclined and taught himself to play the drums, guitar, piano, and keyboard. Bubba loved to travel and often attended his graduating class events.
Bubba was known for his infectious smile, and it was clear that he enjoyed life. Recently he said, “before I leave here, I’m going to enjoy myself” and that he did. He attended basketball and football games, enjoyed music in the park with loved ones and truly did it his way. He loved his family and, in the end, referred to his sisters as his “eight angels”. He departed this life on November 17, 2022, surrounded by his family.
He leaves to cherish fond memories of his life: children, Demetrius Parker, Rochard McRae, David McCloud, Mahogany Bens-Ricks (Dwayne), Kenya Chapman (Derrick), Kendall Bens (Eileen),
LeCai Baker (Zeph) and Cori Hubbard; sisters, Lillian Sims, Viola Jaudon, Betty Phoenix (Raymond), Mary Givens, Wyona Andrews, Sadie Bens, Clara Vinson (Cleo), and Thelma Hayes (Eddie); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and amazing friends. Bubba was loved by everybody.