George Long

Mr. George Michael “Mike” Long, 69, transitioned to His Heavenly Home on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.  He was born in Forsyth County on January 12, 1953, the son of Jack Dumont Long, and Doris Choplin Long-Williams. Mike was a graduate of Vintage Bible College in Winston-Salem, where he studied the Bible deeply and grew in Christian faith. The teaching there and the warm fellowship was of great value to him. He helped to establish and lead Covenant Discipleship Groups at the Bible College for 18 years. These groups met weekly to give account for their walk with Jesus Christ, for active discipleship and practicing the Christian faith by losing one’s self for Jesus’ sake, (Luke 9: 23-26), and allowing Christ to increase in their lives (John 3:30). Mike was an active member of The Gideons International/King Camp for many years. As a Gideon, he was called to the local jail and prison ministry at both Stokes County Jail and Cherry Street Prison, where he delighted in sharing his faith with those on the wrong path. A number of prisoners were brought to faith through the ministry of Mike and his fellow Gideons. Mike, himself, was inspired by the words of a prisoner 22 years ago who had lost everything, and boldly stated, “You’ll never know who Jesus Christ is until Jesus Christ is all you have!” Over the years, Mike corresponded with several prisoners, some of whom are now active in ministry, as a result. Mike was always pleased when former inmates would seek him out after their release and thank him for teaching about the Love of Jesus Christ. Mike quietly made it possible for some of these men to attend Vintage Bible College, where they too could grow in the knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. Mike was an active member of Old Richmond Evangelical Methodist Church in Tobaccoville. He was a dedicated teacher of an adult Sunday School class, where he excitedly shared his faith and his knowledge of the Word of God. He was a member of two Covenant Discipleship groups there, served as an usher, and in other capacities, as well. Mike loved the fellowship at OREMC. Mike worked for RJR Tobacco, Archer Aluminum and Oracle Packaging. At Oracle, he was the manager of the Tropicana Account and took great pride in his work. After retirement, Mike worked part-time as a park attendant at C.G. Hill Park where he loved meeting people and ministering to their needs and circumstances. He loved the outdoors and sports. He enjoyed his time coaching at Northwest Forsyth Little League, water skiing, boating, playing golf, camping, working in his yard and pulling for his Tarheels! Mike was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dumont Long and a brother, Philip D. Long. Mike loved his beautiful family deeply and enjoyed very close relationships with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Phyllis Nail Long; a daughter Brandy (Ben) Hooker; a son, Charlie (Amy) Long; his grandchildren, Carter Long, Wyatt Long, Sawyer Long, Leah Hooker, Chloe Hooker and Jacob Hooker.  Mike is also survived by his mother, Doris Choplin Long-Williams; sister Jackie (Christopher) Lankford; a niece, Anna Lankford; a nephew, Joseph Lankford; a brother-in-law Ron (Gay) Nail; a nephew Gray Nail; a niece Erica (Luke) McMahon; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends; and his brothers in Christ, Luke Bell and Pastor Jeff Ray. A memorial service celebrating Mike’s well-lived, faithful life will be conducted on Saturday, September 10th at 11:00 a.m. (visitation with family 10:00-11:00 a.m.) at Old Richmond Evangelical Church, in Tobaccoville, with Pastor Jeff Ray officiating. The family would like to thank Liza Ward and Megan Horton for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Old Richmond Evangelical Methodist Church or The Gideons International/King Camp. A special thank you to the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice in Dobson.