George R. Long, 87, of the Snowbird Community in Robbinsville, NC, died at C.J. Harris Hospital on May 13, 2010, surrounded by his family. George was a lifelong resident of Graham County. He was born on June 16, 1922, the first child of the late Luther and Lillie Long. Raised on West Buffalo, he lived for a part of his early life at the Hooper Bald with Cotton and Mabel McGuire before being drafted into the US Army in 1942. He served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy during WWII. Returning from the war to West Buffalo, he helped support his younger brothers and sisters by working on the family farm and logging on Santeetlah Creek. On October 3, 1947, he married Nettie Stewart, daughter of Tillman and Lenora Stewart, his wife of 62 years. He worked for Burlington Industries and United Furniture until he retired. After retiring, he farmed and was the manager of the Cemetery Commission of Graham County until his death. George’s interests in life started with his family. In his younger days, he was an avid bear and boar hunter. He always raised a large garden in which he always sought perfection. He was an active cattle farmer on west Buffalo until free ranging was stopped. George was active with hunting dogs and raised bulldogs. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge #672 in Robbinsville, NC and was active in all aspects of Masonry. A very involved member of the Democratic Party, he was always interested in politics. In every activity, he made friends and never met a stranger or anyone he could not strike up a conversation. George is survived by his wife Nettie Stewart Long; his three children, Joe and wife Diana Long of Clemmons, NC, Jack and wife Brenda Long of Robbinsville, NC, and Janie and husband Mark Mundy of Cornelius, NC; his grandchildren, Michelle Long, Joshua Long, Joanna Long, Brittany Tincher, and Courtney Long. He is predeceased by his mother, Lillie Campbell Long, his brothers, Frank Long and Carl Long, and his sister Maudie Hill. His surviving brothers and sisters are John, Lincoln, Olen, and Jay Long, all of Robbinsville, NC, and Lenora Kolac of Lanham, MD, Mabel Pridemore of Point of Rocks, MD, and Gladys Thein of Apex, NC. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews from both the Long and Stewart sides, who he loved and maintained relationships. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Townson-Smith Chapel. A memorial service will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Townson-Smith Chapel, where Military Rites will be conducted by Eller Rogers Post 192 and Carringer Webster VFW Post 8635 and Masonic Rites will be conducted by Robbinsville Masonic Lodge 672. The Reverends Burlin Aldridge and Micky Stewart will officiate. The family will have private graveside services at Carver Cemetery at a later time. Townson-Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.
