Dr. Samuel Jones Lang

November 11, 1948 – April 4, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Dr. Samuel Jones Lang on April 4, 2026, at his home in Florida.

Born November 11, 1948, in Fort Payne, Alabama, he was the second of three children of E. Byron Lang and Ruby Jones Lang. His parents were lifelong educators and residents of DeKalb County, where Sam resided until his college graduation.

Sam was a 1967 graduate of Ider High School, a 1974 graduate of Auburn School of Veterinary Medicine, and a 1978 graduate of the UAB School of Medicine. Trained as both a veterinarian and a physician, his chosen career was in medicine. He completed residency training at UCLA from 1978 to 1982, followed by Ormond Street Hospital, London, from 1982 to 1986.

Following his training, Sam worked for nearly 40 years in New York City as an accomplished heart surgeon at New York Hospital/Cornell, St. Vincent’s Medical Center and NYP/Queens.

Dedicated and courageous, Sam was known for his success with high-risk patients and his calm demeanor under pressure. He had a tireless work ethic and was a notable support physician during the 9/11 World Trade Center disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic. Sam’s quiet leadership earned him deep respect among his colleagues and staff members.

Although he considered it a privilege to work in the greatest city in the world, Sam always remained attached to Alabama and the country life of his youth.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Paula; his adoring daughters, Caroline and Alexandra; his brother William B. (Bill) Lang; his sister, Rosemary Lang; his nephew, Chad Lang (Monica); and cousins throughout Alabama.

A funeral service will be held at Broadway Baptist Church in Rainsville, Alabama, on Saturday, April 25, at 3 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery in Fort Payne. Refreshments will be served immediately following at the Rib Shak in Fort Payne.

Sincere appreciation is extended to Gary Panoch of Gary Panoch Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Florida, and John Burt of Burt Funeral Home in Fort Payne for their care and assistance during this difficult time.

The family is accepting flowers and Burt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.