In December 1974, a young dentist from Florence took a leap of faith and opened his practice in the small town of Manning. Now, 50 years later, Dr. Ray Langston and Manning Dental Associates, PA, are celebrating a milestone that few achieve: half a century of dedicated service to the community that embraced him as one of its own.
“I didn’t even know where Manning was,” Langston said, laughing as he recalled his initial introduction to the town. “A dental supply representative mentioned Dr. Mike Bozard was looking for someone to join him here, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ When I visited, I quickly saw this was a place where I could build a future.”
Langston, a 1974 graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, was eager to establish his career but faced financial hurdles as a young dentist. “Back in 1974, you couldn’t borrow money unless you already had money,” he said. “I had neither, but the Bank of Clarendon believed in me. All it took was someone vouching for you back then, and they made it happen.”
With their support and the encouragement of Dr. Bozard and Dr. DuBose, Langston opened his practice, now known as Manning Dental Associates, PA, in a small building on Bozard Street, where he continues to work today. “The building hasn’t changed much, though we’ve added on to the back. That tree outside my window was just a sapling back then. Now it’s a towering tree,” Langston reflected.
Over the years, Manning Dental Associates has grown alongside Langston’s family. He and his wife, Phyllis, have three children: Jennifer, Allen, and Jay, all of whom graduated from Manning High School. “We’ve always been big supporters of public schools,” Langston said. “Both Phyllis and I attended public schools, so it just felt right for our kids to do the same here.”
Today, Langston’s grandchildren range in age from one to 22, with the oldest graduating from Anderson University this year. His son Allen, a retired Navy helicopter pilot, now lives in Manning and teaches ROTC.
While Langston has always prioritized family, he also credits much of his success to the people he works with and the patients he serves. “I’ve been blessed to have some incredible staff over the years,” he said.
One of his longest-serving employees, Renee Stogner, started working for him part-time in 1975 while she was still in high school and stayed for 45 years. “We still go to church together,” Langston said. Gail Richardson, another long-term employee, worked alongside Langston for 32 years before her passing.
His current partner, Dr. Georgina Coffey, joined Manning Dental Associates 21 years ago, though Langston jokes she’s still “the new doctor.” The office now includes six staff members: Tracey Avin, Kelly Lowery, Renee Smith, Emmie Jacobus, Tracie Holladay, and Jaydi Peyton.
Out of the current staff, Jacobus has been with the practice the longest. Having known Dr. Langston since she was a child, Jacobus studied to become a dental assistant and has been with the practice for over 25 years. “He was president of the Dental Association when I was going through taking my board. So that was kind of a neat thing,” Jacobus recalled.
Langston says the relationships he’s built over the decades are what keep him coming back to work, even at 80 years old. “I tell everyone I’ll retire on a Friday. I just don’t know which one yet,” he quipped. “I still enjoy what I do. My hands are steady, my mind is sharp, and I love seeing my patients.”
Langston’s dedication to his craft and community extends beyond his office walls. He has served on the Clarendon County School Board, the State Board of Dentistry, and is an active member of the South Carolina Dental Association. He also attends continuing education courses and participates in a monthly study group in Florence. “I’ve been going to that study group since I started,” he said. “We bring in speakers to talk about new techniques or materials. It’s important to stay up to date, even after 50 years.”
Outside of dentistry, Langston spends much of his free time at his family’s farm in Effingham. “I go over there and play,” he said with a smile. “I’ve got pecan trees, grapevines, pine trees, and a couple of tractors. If I’m not at a meeting or visiting one of my children, you’ll find me over there on Saturdays.”
When asked about his decision to stay in Manning for five decades, Langston said the sense of community made all the difference. “It’s a small town, and everyone knows everyone,” he said. “People here welcomed me with open arms from the beginning. Between the church, the Lions Club, and all the local groups, I’ve met so many wonderful people. Manning has been so good to my family and me.”
As Langston reflects on his career and the legacy of Manning Dental Associates, he remains grateful for the support he’s received from his colleagues, patients, and the Manning community. “I wouldn’t trade these last 50 years for anything,” he said. “Thanks for the memories.”