Walter LONG

1960 - 2016

LONG, Walter Livingston Walter Livingston Long, 56, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully on Friday, November 18, 2016 in Atlanta, GA, his hometown. Summers and vacations were spent often in Charleston where most of his forebears had lived for generations. A graveside memorial service will be held in Charleston at Bethany Cemetery on December 3, 2016 at 1 pm. Walter was born on February 26, 1960 in Atlanta, GA, the seventh of eight children of Leonard L. Long and Elizabeth Tecklenburg Long. He was a graduate of Marist School in Atlanta Class of 1978. Walter was a competitive athlete and an accomplished Eagle Scout (Troop 165). He was especially drawn to scouting as his Scoutmaster was father of his life-long best friend, and later legal advisor, Frank McGinn of Boston, MA. At Auburn University Walter earned good grades in pre-med, but with greater enthusiasm decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in 'Film & TV' at NYU. In 1983 he earned his BFA degree, magna cum laude. Later at NYU's Graduate School of the Arts Walter was awarded the prestigious Louis B. Mayer Award for Cinematography. Translating movie making and camera equipment sales into a living proved challenging. Walter like his Grandfather L.D. Long and father Leonard L. Long thus turned to building construction in Atlanta until his health began to decline 15 years ago. At the same time Walter began undertaking less complex construction and landscaping activities as charitable endeavors took on greater portions of his far too-short life. As a committed Christian and enthusiastic soldier for The Salvation Army Walter was dedicated to each year's fundraising activities. He loved 'ringing his Red Kettle bell', conversing jovially with friends and strangers on Atlanta street corners. No matter the weather, raising funds at Christmas and other times for those less fortunate provided Walter immense joy. Many will long recall his humor, hearty laugh, and booming voice in English and Spanish. Upon learning of Walter's passing, Captain Ken Argot (The Salvation Army/Atlanta) told family members that Walter was not only a true friend and soldier, but also an outstanding missionary looking out for the little guys and gals amongst us in need of a helping hand, a kind word, or a bite to eat. Walter L. Long was a gifted young man of ability and promising intellect. He lost his way at times, yet fought through and long ago won his fight with addiction. With sturdy faith and antique courage he found peace serving others with great cheer in obedience to his Lord and Savior. Walter will be remembered too as loyal to his many friends and he will be kept safe forever in the hearts and minds of his brothers and sisters: Leonard Lawrence Long, Jr. (Anne) of Kiawah Island, SC; Amelia Long Walker (Billy) of Lexington, SC; Henry Tecklenburg Long (Kathryn) of Atlanta, GA; J. C. Long of Charleston, SC; Robert Howell Long (Julie) of Charleston, SC; and Polly Long Carter (Richard) of Newberry, SC. Walter was pre-deceased by his parents. Ten days prior to his passing, Walter lost his beloved older sister, Elizabeth (Lisa) Long Sousa (Victor). Walter spent much time traveling to visit with Lisa's family in Maryland as she battled cancer over several years. Left also to cherish his memory are Walter's nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, in particular his prot?g? and close friend Jeff Wheeler and his former wife and long-time friend, Frances Dawn Ray. One might consider a memorial gift to The Salvation Army, Atlanta Temple Corps, 2090 N. Druid Hills Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30329, and kindly note: "In Honor of Walter L. Long / the Red Kettle Fund." www.southcare.us.