Richard T. Long

Richard Thomas Long, 78, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 5, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on February 28, 1937, in Browntown, Warren County, Front Royal, Virginia, he was the son of the late Thomas Milford and Marion Louise Saffell Long. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard Wayne Long; daughter-in-law, Wanda; and grandson, Samuel David Long.
Richard was a dedicated member of Woods United Methodist Church for 45 years, serving as Sunday School Teacher for the Perkinson-Dyson Memorial Class, Trustee, and Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. He also was a member of the United Methodist Men, sang in choirs and managed the offerings to the Hermitage Home.
In his years as a truck driver, he logged over 10 million miles without a chargeable accident. He worked for Old Virginia Packing for 6 years, Allied Chemical for 17 and a half years and lastly, Food Lion for 29 years, enjoying "his rides through the country."
Richard was deeply connected to the Phillips Volunteer Fire Department. His family donated the land for the fire department. As a constant supporter, Richard worked to secure the materials for the building.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Judy Lea Long; sons, Steven Eugene Long and wife, Debbie and Thomas Lee Long; daughter, Elisha Cozzette Long Neiss; granddaughter, Giovanna Marie Long Wargofcak and husband, Justin; grandson, Thomas Perry Long; great grandson, Bryson Edward Wargofcak; sisters, Judith Long Richardson, Edith Mildred "Millie" Long Groenke and husband Dennis and Alice Jean Long Stoots; brothers Jerry M. Long and wife, Nancy, and Charles Edward Long and wife, Jan.
He will be remembered by all who knew him for his Love of the Lord, positive outlook on life and his unwavering, unconditional love of his family. Even in illness, he never complained, instead thinking about his wife and family.
His Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at Woods United Methodist Church, 7200 Hickory Rd, South Chesterfield, Va., 23803. The Reverend Joseph Carson and the Reverend David Moorefield will officiate. Graveside service will be held 12 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2015, in Prospect Hill Cemetery Front Royal, Virginia.
All Family and friends will meet at the Church of the Brethren, 106 West 13th Street in Front Royal to proceed to the cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 8, 2015, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia, 23834.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woods United Methodist Church, The Gideon Bibles or to Phillips Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.