Mr. Frederick Milton “Fred” Long, 89, of Pearl, Mississippi and formerly of Sylvester, died Monday, December 8, 2014 after a lengthy illness.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Rev. Mike Davis will officiate.
Mr. Long was a World War II veteran who served in the Pacific theater. He had lived in Sylvester for many years before moving to Pearl, Mississippi to be near his family. Mr. Long was very active in the community having served several terms as a Councilman for the City of Sylvester. During his time on the council, Mr. Long helped secure a major business to settle in the Sylvester area while helping to make several improvements in various neighborhoods. He served as the “Voice of the Golden Rams” for the Band’s field shows and as a Band Parent Booster. Mr. Long was a Boy Scout leader for many years, taking the Sylvester/Albany Boy Scouts to the National Jamboree at Valley Forge and to the National Meeting at the University of Indiana. He helped several boys, including his own son, achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Long received the Silver Beaver for Outstanding Work in Scouting Award and the Order of the Arrow Award. He was a member of the Pinson Memorial United Methodist Church, serving as a Steward and Trustee for several years. Mr. Long sang in the church choir as soloist and was the Narrator for their Christmas Programs. He taught a Sunday School class, cooked breakfast for the Methodist Men’s Group as well as being a M.Y.F. Counselor and housing Youth Directors for the summer. Mr. Long served as a missionary to Chile where he helped build two churches.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Mrs. Louise Wenzel Long; daughter, Karen Long Wilson (James); grandchildren, Louisa Wilson Bonds and James Michael Wilson; great-grand children, Adalyn and Brady Bonds.
He was preceded in death by his son Frederick Michael Long on September 19, 1968.
Please sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com. Banks Funeral Home of Sylvester is in charge of the arrangements.