Richard Jay (R. J.) Lange

September 27, 1940 - April 20, 2021

Mr. Richard Jay (R. J.) Lange, age 80, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at his home in Cairo, Georgia. A memorial service will be held to honor R. J. at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 2, 2021, at Eastside Baptist Church. The Rev. Andrew Donaldson will officiate. In accordance with State of Georgia guidelines concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to maintain the recommended safe social distancing and to wear protective masks. Richard Jay Lange was born September 27, 1940 in Binghamton, New York. His parents, Harold Lange and Edna Hall Lange, have preceded him in death. He spent most of his childhood in Newark Valley, New York. After high school R. J. joined the United States Army. In 1961, he was sent to serve in Vietnam. After he left active duty, he continued to serve in the National Guard. He married Jane Frazier Lange and they raised their family in Ozona, Florida. R. J. loved hiking and was a talented wildlife photographer. He owned and operated R. J. Lange and Sons Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service. About 15 years ago, he and Jane moved to Cairo. They worked together doing general home repairs. R. J. loved his church, Eastside Baptist, and his church family. R. J. Lange will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Mr. Lange is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Lange of Cairo; children, Scott Lange (Connie) of Ozona, Rene' Lynn Ludecke (Norman) of Thomasville, Georgia; sibling, June Esler of Newark Valley, Betty Wilson of Knoxville, Tennessee, Gary Lange of Plant City, Florida, and Susy Lange of Tacoma Park, Maryland; grandchildren, Ryan Lange, Kyle Lange, Aaron Lange, Evan Lange, Jacob Ludecke (Brittney), Zachary Ludecke, and Nicholas Ludecke (Joelle); great-grandson, Gabriel Ludecke; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastside Baptist Church, P. O. Box 749, Cairo, Georgia or to a hospice of your choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.Coxfuneral.net. Cox Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.