John Leroy Long

1936 - 2025

John Leroy Long, age 88, died Saturday, April 12, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born April 24, 1936, to Noble Leroy Long and Hazel Wheeler Long in the Barrett Ridge Community. A graduate of Saltillo High School, he was a standout athlete and a member of the school's 1953 Baseball State Championship team. John Leroy proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. Throughout his life he enjoyed traveling and especially to Ashafenburg, Germany where he was stationed in the Army. He later went on to make history as part of the first graduating class at Memphis State University Law School, now Memphis University.

John Leroy built a long and respected career as an attorney, dedicating much of his work to workers' compensation law and serving his community early on as County Attorney. A man of both intellect and curiosity, John Leroy relished in spirited debates on everything from politics to everyday decisions. He co-authored Last Eyewitness, a powerful collection of World War II stories, showcasing his love of history and storytelling. He continued his pursuit of knowledge well into his 80ies taking philosophy classes at both Itawamba Community College and Northeast Community College. Outside of the courtroom, John Leroy was a baseball enthusiast, spending years coaching Little League and cheering on his beloved Saltillo Tigers, Memphis University, and the Atlanta Braves. His passion for the game left a lasting impact on many young athletes in his community.

On March 29, 1964, John Leroy married the love of his life, Helen Blythe Long, with whom he built a life centered on faith, family, and service. A lifelong member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, John Leroy's faith was a constant throughout his life. When not working or engaging in thoughtful conversation, he found joy in his garden, where he was known to grow the best tomatoes in the neighborhood. John Leroy Long will be remembered for his integrity, wit, love of the law, passion for baseball, and his unwavering devotion to the people and places he loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the stories he told.

John Leroy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen Long of Saltillo; two children, Cathy Long Mallette (David) of Saltillo, and Barry Long of Saltillo; five grandchildren, Tyler Harville (Jessica) of Dorsey, Amanda McGee (Eddie) of Pratts Community, Rebecca Harville of Saltillo, Kayla Long (Chance Guthrie) of Southaven, and Hannah Long (Aiden Bumpus); three great-grandchildren, Chandler Jackson, Clayton Harville, and Holden Guthrie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sherry Long Williams.

Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Pegues, Saltillo.

Graveside service celebrating his life will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at St. Thomas Cemetery with Father Tim Murphy officiating. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Honorary pallbearers will be his Saturday morning group from Saltillo Plumbing Store.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church cemetery fund or the church building fund, C/O Donna Owens, 591 CR 683, Saltillo, MS 38866.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.