Johnie Ray Langston

Johnie Ray Langston, age 85, of Bryant, Ark., died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, following a lengthy battle of heart trouble and diabetes. He was born Jan. 7, 1931, in Houston, Ark., to Ezra and Viva Langston. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Bill Langston; sister, Alma and husband Bennie Ross; daughter, Brenda Shilney and brothers-in-law, George Walden and Robert Cortese. Johnie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marianne Langston; daughter, Cheryl (James) Hiller; son, Johnie Langston Jr.; daughter, Norma Giocondi; sister, Alice Walden; granddaughter, Jillianne Hiller; grandsons, Michael Jr.,Robert and Joseph Shilney; great-granddaughters, Alexie and Alayna Shilney; sisters-in-law Margaret Langston and Cathy Cortese and several nieces and nephews. He began work as a lineman for the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War, where he served two years in Fort Dix, N.J., training military policemen. After being discharged from the army, he resumed working for the railroad and established a 43-year career in railroad communication. He was a General Supervisor of Lines and Equipment for the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, which spanned 13 states. He was Department Manager of Communications for Northeast Illinois Railroad Corporation, Commuter Railroad in Chicago, Ill., for five county areas. He was a member of East End Masonic Lodge #758 of Bigelow, Ark., and mason of 32nd Degree Consistory in the Valley of Chicago, Ill. He was an avid hunter and golfer, later belonging to the Last Chance Hunting Club, Bigelow, Ark., and Trace Creek Country Club, Benton, Ark. He was very mechanically inclined and enjoyed working with and sharing his knowledge of mechanical things with friends, relatives and neighbors. Having played baseball and basketball in high school, he was a fan of the sports, watching many games in person and on television. Mr. John, as his neighbors called him, was a friendly, positive person and welcomed many friends to come sit on his porch and laugh and talk. The family will receive friends for viewing in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., from 2-4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. As per his request, there will be no memorial service. Cremation will follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to their favorite charity. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.