Milton Beron Langston Jr.

Milton “Milt” Beron Langston, Jr. (1928-2023), husband, grandfather, great grandfather, pharmacist, licensed sea captain, avid motor-boater, fisherman, hunter (until he gave up his gun for a camera), Paul Harris Fellow, wood worker, boat builder, engaging storyteller, and big fan of

ice cream and shag dancing, died at the age of 94 on March 24th.

A native-born New Bernian, he was the only child of Milton B. and Evelyn Pugh Langston. He received his public education through New Bern City Schools from which he graduated as a three-sport letterman. His love of sports began in elementary school when he walked from his home on Metcalf Street to First Baptist Church where he attended Sunday School in order to be eligible to play on their baseball team, and thus began his lifelong faith journey.

Seventy-two years ago, Milt married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Bennett. After he graduated from MUSC School of Pharmacy he became licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. Milt and Peg returned to New Bern where he enjoyed a long career as pharmacist and business owner of City Drug Store (now Captain Ratty's on Middle Street) and then Langston Drug Store. A friend to many of his customers, he was always willing to go the extra mile, sometimes accepting a bushel of oysters or sack of sweet potatoes as payment for

prescription medicines.

Milt stayed active in his community as a member of Rotary Club, a member (and chairman) of Craven County Board of Health, a Trent Woods town commissioner, and a member of Garber Methodist Church where he also attended the men's morning Bible study group. As a volunteer boat-builder with the NC Maritime Museum, he and the team crafted the small Optimist Prams on which many children, including his grandkids, learned to sail. He and Peggy volunteered at the NC Aquarium (PKS) until the young age of 88. They were best known for their expansive knowledge of seashells.

Motor boats were a passion for Milt. He and Peggy logged many nautical hours out Beaufort and Barden Inlets into the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Trent and Neuse Rivers. He considered Cape Lookout the most beautiful spot on earth, even compared to places he and Peggy traveled in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Many "Cape" adventures were experienced at the (1907) Keeper's Quarters that was acquired with friends in 1957. With the help of a bulldozer and tractor, they moved the house one mile down the island off the lighthouse property. Even after giving up part-ownership, three generations of Langstons

fell in love with this historic house and island paradise.

Beyond his career and varied personal interests, Milt will be remembered by his family and friends as a gentleman who loved generously, inspired graciously, and shared his keen intellect with humor and humility. Ever-engaging with his smile and a twinkle in his eye, he showed, by example, a life well-lived.

Milt is survived by his wife, Peggy Langston of the home; son, Milton Beron (Barry) Langston, III of New Bern; daughter, Jeannine B. Langston of New Bern; daughter, Chery-Randall (Randy) L. McDonald and son-in-law, Ford McDonald, of Shelby, NC.

His grandchildren, Crisp McDonald (Colleen) Charleston, SC; Ashley M. Kincaid (Doug) Alexandria, VA; Emma M. Diamond (Kevin) Beacon, NY; Paul Langston Raleigh, NC; Corrine L. Smith (Paul) Tulsa, OK; and great grandchildren: Fletcher & Lillian McDonald, Ben & Grace

Kincaid, Oliver & Maxwell Diamond, and LenaRose Langston cherish the memories of “Grandad" and will remember him through the legacy of his wonderful stories retold.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, March 30th at 1pm, at Garber Methodist Church. The family will receive friends after the service in the Morris Hall Atrium. A private burial will be held later. Cotten Funeral Home is serving the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider donations to the Garber Methodist Church pastor’s discretionary fund.