Michael was born on January 31, 1977, in Denver, Colorado. He spent his childhood in Portland, Oregon before moving to Tacoma, Washington as a teen. There he became a Bladesmith and built his business, Lang’s Custom Knives. In 2021, he moved to Alabama to be close to his extended family, Joe Karneke, Geoffrey Jones (Jessica) and Dave Newland (Brenda). He spent the last 2 years hauling Hotshots seeing the world with his wife.
Preceded in death by his mother, Sandra “Sandy” Charlene Lanphear; his father, Raymond Eugene Lang; and best friend, Dave Ellis.
Michael is survived by his wife, Bridgett Bittles Lang; brother, Allen Ballard (Savannah); stepdaughters, Catherine Harris (Tyler) and Shaylee Bittles; stepson, Damien Bittles (Shelby); cousins, Lisa Lanphear, Trevor Brewer (Rachel); grandchildren, Ryan Harris, Kinsley Harris, Oaklynn Harris and three grandchildren on the way, Waylon and Zayden Harris, and Josie Bittles.
A Celebration of Life for Big Mike will be announced by the family at a later date.
