1921
Ray
2009
Ray Long
May 21, 1921 — April 21, 2009
Tupelo - Arthur Ray Long, 87, died Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at his residence after an extended illness. He was born May 21, 1921 in Sardis to A. C. and Evie Herring Long. He attended Sardis High School where he lettered in all sports. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre primarily in The Philippines. Upon his discharge, he had attained the rank of Sargeant. After the war, he returned to complete his education, earning his degree in physical education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1950. After graduating in May, he married his wife, Mildred Lovern Long in July of that same year. A dedicated educator, he began his teaching and coaching career with the Mobile, Alabama School System. He later joined the Corinth High School Warriors as head coach. In 1963 after winning the Big 8 Chapionship, Coach Long was named coach of the year by the Mississippi Broadcasters' Association. In 1966, he became principal of Denman Jr. High School in Mcomb where he served until 1976. He then moved to Tupelo where he served as an Assistant Superintendant until his retirement in 1985. Along with his wife, he enjoyed volunteering in the community for many years with Meals on Wheels and with his church, First United Methodist Church of Tupelo.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Andy Ray officiating. Burial will be in Middleton Cemetery in Louisville.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mildred L. Long of Tupelo; one daughter, Suzanne L. Trott and husband, O'Neal, of Gautier; one son, Stan Long of Tupelo; four grandchildren, Jana Hoobler and husband, Ben, of Gautier, Elise McMasters and husband, Trey, of Shannon, Justin Trott and wife, Tracey, of Pueblo West, Co., and Elizabeth Long of Tupelo; and six great-grandchildren. He was one of 12 children, among them, his twin sister, Daisey Benham of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Richard Warriner, Lee McAllister, Bob Gatlin, David Moody, Cliff Hancock, and Mark Moody.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 412 West Main ST. Tupelo, MS 38804.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Andy Ray officiating. Burial will be in Middleton Cemetery in Louisville.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mildred L. Long of Tupelo; one daughter, Suzanne L. Trott and husband, O'Neal, of Gautier; one son, Stan Long of Tupelo; four grandchildren, Jana Hoobler and husband, Ben, of Gautier, Elise McMasters and husband, Trey, of Shannon, Justin Trott and wife, Tracey, of Pueblo West, Co., and Elizabeth Long of Tupelo; and six great-grandchildren. He was one of 12 children, among them, his twin sister, Daisey Benham of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Richard Warriner, Lee McAllister, Bob Gatlin, David Moody, Cliff Hancock, and Mark Moody.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 412 West Main ST. Tupelo, MS 38804.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ray Long, please visit our flower store.
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