OXFORD, Miss. – Oxford law firm Tannehill & Carmean PLLC, has contributed $20,000 to the Robert Langley Memorial Scholarship endowment at the University of Mississippi.
J. Rhea Tannehill Jr. and Jay P. Carmean, both Ole Miss alums, said they wanted to do something to honor the memory of their friend, Robert Langley, a UM police officer who was killed Oct. 21, 2006 during a traffic stop.
"Robert was a very principled guy," Tannehill said. "He liked doing the right thing and he wanted to help people. He was working on his degree at Ole Miss, but he never got to finish it. I think he would be pleased to know this scholarship established in his name will help others get an education."
Tannehill and Carmean came to know Langley personally through their professional interaction. They grew to have a positive working relationship and a friendship.
"Robert was such a good-hearted, easygoing person," Carmean said.
Langley and Tannehill also served in the National Guard together, another reason he felt compelled to contribute to the scholarship.
"We kept in touch by e-mail while Robert served in Afghanistan," Tannehill said. "He volunteered to go with his unit because he saw an opportunity to serve his country and earn more money for his family."
The scholarship is to be awarded to an Ole Miss student majoring in criminal justice, helping students who wish to serve the community, as Langley did.
"Robert Langley’s life was characterized by his commitment to others," said Gloria Kellum, vice chancellor for university relations. "We are grateful for this generous gift from the law firm of Tannehill and Carmean, which honors the memory of a very respected member of our Ole Miss family."
Langley was a four-year veteran of the University Police Department. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, two sons and two stepdaughters.
"Rhea and Jay knew Robert on a personal level and they knew he worked hard to continue his education," Lisa Langley said. "I hope this scholarship will help give someone an opportunity to receive a top-quality education, because your education can never be taken away from you. I know Robert is jumping up and down in heaven about this. The Oxford and Ole Miss communities have been wonderful to me and my family. I’m thankful for them every day for helping remember Robert in this way. He was a beautiful person and a loving husband."
Additional gifts to the Langley Scholarship endowment are being accepted by the UM Foundation, 406 University Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655. Contributions also can be made online at http://www.umf.olemiss.edu/makeagift/ or by calling the foundation at 662-915-5003.