David Lange

David Lee Lange, Jr., a distinguished professional and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Batesville, Mississippi, on March 13, 2026. He was 66. David was born June 10, 1959, in Heidelberg, Germany, to David Lee Lange, Sr. and Christa Lange.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church. A funeral service celebrating David’s life will follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place afterward at Magnolia Cemetery.

David built a remarkable and respected career with FedEx, where he served for more than three decades. Joining the company in 1990, he worked across numerous departments including Air Freight Systems, Global Trade Services, Network Planning and Scheduling, and U.S. International Planning and Engineering. Through dedication, leadership, and deep expertise in aviation logistics, he rose to become Director of the Aircraft Charters Department in June 2008.

In this role, David oversaw commercial and military charter operations, aircraft leasing, and the FedEx Contractor Teaming Arrangement. Throughout his career, he played an integral role in cargo revenue management, network and line-haul planning, global strategic initiatives, and long-range international facility planning. Known for his reliability and expertise, David was entrusted with coordinating extraordinary animal transport missions around the world, including the movement of giant pandas, racehorses, whales, and elephants.

David’s exceptional leadership and commitment earned him the prestigious FedEx Five Star Award five times—in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2025—recognizing employees whose leadership, enthusiasm, and determination help the company achieve its corporate goals.

He was also actively involved in several professional organizations, including the National Defense Transportation Association, the Mobile Airlift Committee, the Animal Transportation Association, and the Executive Committee of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet.

David graduated in 1981 from Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Petroleum-Refining Engineering and a minor in Resource Economics. He later earned his MBA from the University of Memphis in 2007. He was a member of Gamma Beta Sigma National Business Honor Society and the Pinnacle Society at the University of Memphis.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, David’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He shared 45 loving years of marriage with his devoted wife, Julia Whitaker Lange of Batesville.

He is survived by his daughters, Courtney Blevins of Bristol, Tennessee; Jessica Lange Smith (Chris) of Batesville; and Lauren Risner (Bobby) of Batesville. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters, Dorene Draper (Gary) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Heidi Lange Magee (Mark) of Petal, Mississippi.

David was a proud and devoted grandfather to James Blevins, William Blevins, Auden Blevins, Jane Ainsley Blevins, Logan Smith, Ava Grace Smith, Davis Smith, Stella Jo Risner, and Whitaker “Whit” Risner, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

Outside of his career, David enjoyed competitive trap shooting, woodworking, and spending time working in his yard. He was also an avid football fan and a loyal supporter of the Denver Broncos. His hobbies reflected a man who valued both precision and craftsmanship and who appreciated the simple pleasures of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David Lee Lange, Sr. and Christa Lange, whose memory he honored throughout his life.

David will be remembered for his dependability and discipline, sharp intellect, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched both professionally and personally.

David Lee Lange, Jr.’s life was one of dedication, love, and integrity. His memory will be treasured by family and friends, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorials can be sent to Batesville First Methodist and St. Jude’s.

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