David Ellison Long

David Ellison Long was born Dec. 14, 1947, and passed away May 17, 2014, at age 66. A service in his memory will be held at Peace Presbyterian Church, 301 Guiness Drive, Winterville, on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at 3 p.m., with reception following.
Dr. Long was a retired professor of history at East Carolina University, where he taught Civil War and sports history. His 1994 book The Jewel of Liberty was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and a number of other book awards, and led to his recognition nationally as an expert on Abraham Lincoln.
He was born in Middletown, Ohio, and grew up in Dayton, the son of Paul R. Long II and Blondina Ellison Long. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Paul R. Long III. He is survived by his sister, Suellen Gallamore of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; and nephews, Scott and Gregory Vincent.
He attended the Ohio State University, where he received his undergraduate and law degrees. After 12 years of legal practice in Columbus, Ohio, he returned to school in 1987 to pursue his lifelong love of history. He received his MA and Ph.D. from Florida State University. He joined the ECU faculty in 1995, retiring in 2012. During his time at ECU, he spoke widely at Civil War conferences and roundtables, and appeared nationally in several series for the History Channel. He was a member of the 2009 national Lincoln Bicentennial Committee. He led a number of Civil War battlefield tours for local history buffs, who nicknamed him "Colonel Long" and became known as "Long's Brigade". He continued teaching in ECU's lifelong learning program in retirement. In addition to Civil War history, he also had a keen interest in World War II, especially the Third Armored Division in which his father served.
David was an avid sports fan who also taught courses in the history of sports. He especially loved the Ohio State Buckeyes, ECU Pirates, Florida State Seminoles, and Cincinnati Reds and Bengals.
His encyclopedic knowledge of many topics made him an avid participant on trivia night at Professor O'Cool's. A very congenial man, the young wait staff there and at all his favorite restaurants always knew him instantly, and called him "Dr. Dave."
David was a member of Peace Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church or to Spay Today, 4550-B County Home Rd., Greenville, 27838.
Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home & Crematory, Greenville.
Online condolences www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.