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Celebrating the life of
Dr. Michael Neal Leblang
March 22, 1947 - June 30, 2024
Dr. Michael Neal Leblang died on Sunday, June 30, 2024, following a lengthy illness. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Leblang was born on March 22, 1947, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Emanuel and Millicent Albin Leblang. A proud graduate of Grimsley Senior High School, he never missed a reunion. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Guilford College in Greensboro in 1969, then attended the prestigious Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1973.
Dr. Leblang was a distinguished practicing physician and educator. Following a three-year residency in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and 11 years in private practice at Charlotte’s (N.C.) Eastway Medical Clinic, he accepted the position of Associate Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, in 1988. He served in that role for 16 years, becoming a well-known and highly respected member of the medical community in Savannah. He also served in several roles in the Georgia Medical Society, including as president in 2003.
Some of Dr. Leblang’s other notable achievements in medicine include serving as the Medical Director of Georgia Correctional Healthcare at Rogers State Prison in Reidsville (Ga.) and joining the faculty at the Mercer University School of Medicine as Assistant Professor of Community Medicine. In 2018, he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Leblang had a zeal for life and enjoyed a range of hobbies. He was a music lover with a special fondness for the Beatles. He was a naturally curious man, a trait that manifested through a delight for reading, studying history, and world travel. He loved classic cars and owned several, which he proudly displayed as part of the Savannah Mustang Club. He was a passionate fan of both professional and college sports, especially his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. His love of sports was never stronger, though, than when he joyfully watched his grandchildren play basketball and soccer.
Dr. Leblang and his wife, Sherry, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 23 of this year. He is survived by her and their four children - Karen (Matt) Hutcheson, Jonathan (Jennifer), Mark (Kendra), and David (Elizabeth) - as well as by eight grandchildren: Elle, Andrew, and Will Hutcheson and Price, Connor, Emily, Wesley, and Adam Leblang. Dr. Leblang is also survived by his two younger brothers, Dr. Steve (Linda) Leblang and Lonnie Leblang, as well as by his eight nephews and nieces.
Anyone who knew Dr. Leblang knew of his love for dogs. He and Sherry adopted several over the years and took great pride in providing a loving home for them. Contributions honoring Dr. Leblang may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah with thanks from his family.
Dr. Leblang was a longtime member of Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, and his funeral will be presided over by the synagogue’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Robert Haas. The graveside service will be held at historic Bonaventure Cemetery on July 26, 2024, at 10:30 am., with a celebration of life to follow.
Always enjoyed our good natured battering about University of Kentucky vs the Heels or the Deacons of Wake Forest. A blessing to our community for his training of family practice residents. Good natured great guy. Dr Cliff Berger
- Cliff Berger, Savannah , Georgia
I was so saddened to hear of Dr. Leblang's passing. I worked with him at Family Practice Medical Center in Savannah. He was always so nice and cared about people and their health needs. My heart goes out to his family. I will keep the family in my prayers.
- Carolyn P Clement, Colbert, GA
I am so sorry for all of you but knowing Mike is no longer in pain and has transitioned to a wonderful place.I pray for the strength you have to carry y 'all through these hard times. I am so glad I was able to stay with him during January. It is hard to know what to say, but I care and you are In my thoughts and prayers.love you Joan Sims ❤️
- Joan Sims, Gadsden, Alabama
My deepest sympathies to Sherry and the family for your loss.
- Patti Peebles, Savannah, GA
Ron and I were truly blessed for the friendship and being neighbors with Mike and Sherry for the previous 9 years. Mike’s tenacious mowing of his yard every other day gave us a quiet chuckle. Mike loved his historic cars and used to rotate driving them every weekend. Mike was meticulous regarding most every facet of his life spending each day to the fullest until his illness curtailed most activities. May God wrap his arms around Sherry and their children and may Mike rest in peace.
- Ron & Linny Dillard, Savannah, GA
I worked with Dr Leblang at Family Medicine Residency Program, Memorial Medical Center. He was a very caring physician and teacher. My prayers go out to his family. God Bless.
- Joanne Warman , Richmond Hill, Georgia
As the former director of the Memorial Health Family Medicine Residency Program I was closely associated with Dr. LeBlang from early 1985 until my retirement in 2001. I knew Mike as a fine person and a good physician. He worked hard to help educate and graduate a large group of residents who then went into practice to serve the people of Georgia. I am saddened by his passing and send my condolences to his family. Keith E. Ellis, M.D.
- Keith E. Ellis, M.D., Savannah, , Ga/
High school buddy of Mike's. Good memories of enjoying each other. So sorry.
- Phil Weaver , Greensboro, NC
Deepest sympathy to Mike's family. I attended high school with him.
- Barbara Nelson Goff, High Point, North Carolina
Mike fought hard against the illnesses that eventually took his life. My condolences to Sherry, her children and grandchildren. Hopefully Mike is in a better place.
- Annie Schemmel, Savannah, GA
Hello Sherry, I just heard yesterday about Mike's passing. We are so sorry to hear this. The world and community has lost a wonderful man! Many thoughts and prayers from all the Yeckleys to all the LeBlangs! In God's love, Dana
- Dana and Jay Yeckley, Savannah, Georgia
Sherry: I tried to leave a condolence in another area of the announcement. I have thought of Michael fondly over the years and am tormented now that I missed seeing him, especially as I know now you live in Georgia . I love you both!! J Laurence Ransom MD
- J Laurence Ransom, Blue Ridge, GA
My condolences to the family. I had the honor of working with Dr. Leblang for 5 years at Memorial Family Practice. He was a very compassionate and caring physician. I pray you find comfort in knowing he was well loved and a dedicated compassionate doctor. I was honored to know him!
- Dawn Laxton Martin, Rincon, Ga
May his memory be a blessing. What a wonderful person he was! I know he loved his dogs Marley, Molly, and General ❤️ Our hearts go out to his family - the crew at Animal House
- Janet Sweeney, Savannah, GA
Sherry, we were so sorry to hear Mike was so ill. Ron enjoyed working with Mike and talking North Carolina basketball with him. Ron graduated from his rival team, North Carolina State. Mike was so thoughtful giving Ron some North Carolina State memorabilia. Ron was able to visit him in the hospital and talked with him about basketball and baseball. My memories of Mike were the years he and you helped us host the incoming medical students in August. Mike loved the low country boil we always served often pitching in to help prepare it. Mike was a very thoughtful person and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed by the Mercer faculty and students.
- Ron and Janet Garner, Savannah, Georgia
I am sorry to read of Dr. Leblang’s death. He and I worked alongside each other teaching and evaluating the medical students’ bedside skills. And we shared a love of travel. He will be missed in the medical education community
- Patrick Roche, Macon, GA
Mike was a great guy to know in High School in jGreensboro and a smart, fun person with whom to be to be friends. So sorry for his loss.
- Billie Chambers Whisnant, Bristol, TN
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 10:30 a.m. on Fri, July 26, 2024
- Bonaventure Cemetery
-
330 Bonaventure Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
