Obituary of George William Long

Dr. George W. Long, Jr. went home to his Lord on August 10, 2016. He died peacefully at his home at age 95. After serving as pastor of the Chickamauga (Ga.) Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Tupelo, Ms., he became pastor of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church in 1964, where he served for the next 22 years. The long-time resident of Lookout Mountain is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Katherine Philips Long, their four children: Bill (Betsy) Long of Atlanta, Ga., Phil (Polly) Long of Vancouver, B.C., Harry (Mary) Long of Midlothian, Va., and Eleanor (David) Dunlap of Gainesville, Ga.; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Paul B. Long of Jackson, Ms. A graduate of Wheaton College and Columbia Theological Seminary, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Following his retirement from the pulpit in 1986, he served for five years with International Students Incorporated and seven years with the Barnabas Ministry, both of which provided the opportunity to combine his love of flying small planes with ministry throughout the Southeast. His first love of flying developed from his love of country when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII, was stationed in England, and flew 46 combat missions over Germany in his P-51D Mustang, which he named “Kitten,” his nickname for Katherine. He served on a number of boards, including King College, and received various honors along the way, but as George would say, “not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Gal. 2:20). Through his many active years, he loved tennis, his family, the people of his church and community, but none so much as his Lord Jesus, whom he began to serve on this earth and continues on. A memorial service will be held at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. on Aug. 27, to be followed by a reception in the LMPC Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-7551 Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com. Dr. George W. Long, Jr., pastor at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church from 1964-1986, passed away Wednesday. The church sent this letter to the congregation: “Dr. Long’s pastorate lasted longer than any previous pastor since 1892. He was a graduate of Wheaton College, Columbia Theological Seminary, and earned a Doctorate of Theology from Edinburgh University. His leadership skills were put to use in his Air Corps days as he flew a P-51 fighter over Germany during World War II. He was installed as pastor at LMPC on Nov. 29, 1964, and he was prepared and eager to begin turning the vessel of LMPC toward new horizons. During his years of ministry, many hearts were turned toward Christ, and many others that had grown cold toward Christ were revived. The church as a whole began to love the Word of God with a new fervor, in particular during and after the Lay Renewal of 1975, which he initiated. The small group ministry also began during this season through the hiring of his associate pastor, Roger Gulick, and continues to this day. He also oversaw LMPC’s denominational change from the Presbyterian Church in the United States to the Presbyterian Church in America in 1982. Even after retirement Dr. Long stayed active in ministry, serving as minister-at-large for International Students, Inc. for five years and working for 10 years with the Barnabas Ministry at Covenant Theological Seminary, encouraging and advising over 500 younger pastors across the U.S. His impact at LMPC was so great that the Session approved the resolution of the establishment of the annual George Long Preaching Series on June 25, 2001. Dr. Long strongly believed that God’s Word would never “return to him void, but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent” (Isaiah 55:11). This belief established a legacy of faithfulness to God’s Word at LMPC that we benefit from today, and will for generations to come. Service arrangements have not yet been made. Dr. Long is survived by his wife Katherine, his children, Bill, Eleanor, Phil, and Harry, and many grandchildren. Please join us in praying for the family, the community, and the wider PCA community who are mourning his loss.