John Kelly Long Sr. (85) of Gastonia NC passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023.

Johnny, the son of the late Marguerite Clark and John Kelly Long, was born December 1, 1938. He attended Gastonia High School and High Point University. From 1961 to 1997, he worked for his father, eventually owning and operating Carolina Cotton Classing and Broad Street Bonded Warehouse.

Johnny was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in many capacities throughout his life. A steward of his community in many ways, he often shared his time, talents, and experience. He served on the Board of Crowders Mountain State Park for 16 years, the Board of NC State Parks for three years, and was a member of the YMCA Board of Directors for 25 years, where he also served as President. He was also a board member of Covenant Village for 16 years, serving as President for a four-year period. From 1996 to 2008, Johnny was a member of the Community Foundation of Gaston County and was the Board President in 1999. He and wife Becky are fundholders and members of the Legacy Society at the Foundation.

Other places of membership and service throughout the years include: the YMCA Metropolitan Board, the Gaston County Board of Health, Gaston Country Club President, Gaston County Literacy Council, Board of Directors at First Community Bank, Chairman of the local Board of RBC Bank, Board of the American Heart Association, Board of Visitors at High Point University, and President of Hunter Huss High School PTA (two years).

Due to his longstanding commitment to philanthropy, Johnny received numerous awards for those contributions, including The Phil Ritter Leadership Award, The J.D. Hicks Lifetime Achievement Award, The Duke Kimbrell Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Allen H. Sims Award.

Johnny was known for his great wit and humorous disposition. He loved nothing more than spending time outside on Linwood Farm with his beloved dogs Mattie, Nellie, and Annie. You could often find him with his canine companions riding his tractor, hanging around the barn, or out on the lake. Whether it be taking long hikes up Crowders Mountain or taking long hikes through the woods of Linwood Farm, he simply loved being outdoors … most specifically the hours spent hunting for arrowheads. Fascinated by them, he was able to leave behind a beautiful collection to his family. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed golf with his many friends. He was always busy, never boring, and loved his friends and family tremendously. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rebecca Marley Long, whom he began dating in high school; and his children and grandchildren; Kelly and Tina Long (Lauren and Jake), Alec and Dove Long (Will and Maggie) and Lydia and Billy Kilby (Roby and Sam). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Hammil.

The family would like to thank Harry Bryant, Garland Atkins, Chip Neil, Jim McCosh, Charlie Gray, and Judy Cope. Their friendship, care, and many visits to see Johnny have been immeasurable for our father until the end. Also, many thanks to Gena Lyles and the staff members of Hospice & Palliative Care - Charlotte Region and Brighton Gardens of Charlotte.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church with Pastors Jody Seymour and Justin Lowe officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in Gunter Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 218, Gastonia, NC 28053 or to The Community Foundation, 1201 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28054.

Condolence messages may be sent online at mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Long family.

Posted online on December 04, 2023

Published in Gaston Gazette