Don Lee Long

Don Lee Long, 82, of Christiansburg, Va., and formerly of Radford, Va., passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. He was a native of Noble County, Ohio. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Lea Long; and his first wife, Ernestine. He is survived by Carolyn Hendricks Stone-Long, his loving wife of 23 years; one son, Scott Long; two stepsons, Chris Stone and Jay Stone and his wife, Lisa; and four grandchildren, Abbey Stone and Emma, Audrey, and Evan Stone. A life long Presbyterian, Don has been a member of The Presbyterian Church of Radford for 40 years. He was a kind and gentle man with a strong inner core that guided him in his relations with people. He was helpful to everyone around him in his personal and professional life. Don served as a mentor to many young and older professionals and was an example of the Good Samaritan to all who knew him. He was a graduate of Ohio State University and Cornell University; was Professor Emeritus of Virginia Tech's Department of Agricultural Economics; and was an Extension Specialist in Food Distribution and Agribusiness. He was widely known and recognized for his expertise in the academic and business communities and served as a consultant in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Peru, Indonesia and Russia. Serving his country as a sergeant in the United States Army, Don's proficiency in the Japanese language lead him to work in counter intelligence operations in post-war Japan. A graveside service will be held in Noble County, Ohio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made in Don's memory to Warm Hearth Village Neighbors in Need, 1000 Litton Lane, Blacksburg, Va. 24060 or the Free Clinic of NRV, 215 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. The Long family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford, Va. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com