Charles "Charlie" W. Long

Charles “Charlie” W. Long

Dorsey Community- Charles “Charlie” Wilson Long, 85, died Monday, January 16, 2023, at his home. He was the eldest child of Woodrow Wilson and Pansey Clytee Ramsey Long born on January 29, 1937, in Vardaman. On June 22, 1996, Charlie married Cathy Clark Long. Charlie could often be quoted saying “It’s the Long way or the wrong way”, which was a testament to his life, hobbies, and attitude.

Charlie was a longtime long-haul truck driver; during his career, he received the One Million Miles without an Accident distinction which included a well-deserved feature story in the local paper. Although he owned and operated his own truck, he was a leased driver for Dixie Trucking and Choctaw Trucking before his retirement. For two weeks, he enjoyed his retirement before deciding retirement was not for him, so he began a second career at Tanner Construction. When he and his wife, Cathy, decided to move to the Dorsey Community, he began his second short-lived retirement. Once settled in their new home, he joined the staff at Dorsey Attendance Center. He enjoyed spending time with the children, even connecting with some after their graduation. He was known for welcoming hugs and always having coins in his pocket for children who needed a snack. He was a selfless giver who would give you the shirt off his back or his last dime.

Charlie was a diligent worker and dedicated himself to everything he did. He was an avid gardener and grew enough vegetables for his large family, friends, and members of the community. He had a grand sense of humor and dry wit that could not be matched. He enjoyed playing an enthusiastic game of dominos with friends and family. Charlie enjoyed playing wig/wag, a game he created similar to Simon Says with his grandchildren and their children.

First and foremost, he was passionate about his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus and he shared His word at every opportunity. He was a member of Greenwood Baptist Church in Fulton and before his health declined, he was a Sunday school teacher, and devoted member of the church and attended all their functions.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cathy Long of Dorsey; eight children, Sheila Coleman, of Ocean Springs, Sherri McDowell and her husband, Joe, of Foley, Alabama, Cindy Smith and her husband, Perry, of Mathiston, Scott Long and his wife, Carol, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, Stephanie Barcia and her husband, Juan Carlos, Tupelo, Gina Hutton and her husband, John, of Memphis, Tennessee, Lisa Guy of Hattiesburg, and Theresa Wilson and her husband, Hank, of Purvis; 18 grandchildren, Jennifer, Billy, Josh, Kelli, Jessica, Holli, Dusty, CC, Nate, Annie, Evie, Zeke, Elsa, Micah, Alexis, Josh, Faith, and Hank; 16 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Ivy, Drew, Rhoe, Laken, Peyton, Charlotte, Felicity, Elijah, Penelope, Wyatt, Taylor, Cole, Blake, Chevi Clair, and Henleigh; five great-great-grandchildren, Owen, Maggie, Florence, Cash, and Coleson; four siblings, Mary Lamkin of Grenada, Lynda Greene and her husband, Davis of Tupelo, Buddy Long and his wife, Joyce, of Fawn Grove; and Tim Long and his wife, Pam, of Skyline; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Pansey Long; son, Charles Michael Long; and granddaughter, Christian Lyn Guy; and two sisters, Martha Lucius, and Virginia Langford.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. until service time Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Greenwood Baptist Church, Fulton.

Services honoring Charlie’s life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Greenwood Baptist Church, Fulton with Bro. Joseph Bain, and Bro. Bob O’Neal officiating. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at New Liberty Cemetery in Vardaman.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, and his nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .