Dr. Thomas Gregory DeLong

Dr. Thomas Gregory DeLong, 76, passed away at his home in Jacksonville, Florida on January 25, 2026 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. Always a kind man, he remained content and at peace until he went quietly home to his Lord.

Born in Atlanta, Dr. DeLong grew up in Gainesville and graduated from Gainesville High School. Following his graduation from the University of Georgia, he married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Rey. They both continued their education at the Medical College of Georgia where Greg completed a fellowship in Anatomic Pathology and attained his Medical degree. Catherine graduated with a BS in Nursing. Dr. DeLong completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Minnesota where he was also a research fellow. During that time he and Catherine welcomed two daughters into their family.

Shortly after returning to Gainesville in 1983,their son was born. Dr. DeLong joined the practice of Drs. Anderson, Tether, and Leigh which later became part of The Longstreet Clinic. In all of his years practicing surgery, he received many kind notes and cards. It was very meaningful to him; he kept them all.

After he retired, Dr. DeLong became a founding member of the Health Access Initiative. In his commitment to H.A.I. he worked tirelessly to strengthen and coordinate the services of providers of healthcare for the uninsured. In the early phase of development, he was instrumental in gaining commitments from more than 100 physicians to see uninsured patients in their offices at no cost to the patient.

He also devoted countless hours to volunteering at Good News Health Clinic. Following the death of Dr. Sam Poole he served as interim Medical Director.

His work in caring for the uninsured earned him a Hearts of Gold recognition in 2005. In 2008, Dr. DeLong was the recipient of The Samuel O. Poole Award for his dedication, selflessness and service to the community. Not an annual award, it is only given when an active or retired physician is identified who shares the characteristics and values exemplified in the life of Dr. Sam Poole, to whom it was first given in 2001.

Dr. DeLong enjoyed visiting art museums and was himself an artist. He took great pleasure in drawing and in painting. He spent special one-on-one time with each of his children, traveling to destinations of their choice.

He treasured time spent with his grandchildren, always happily willing to engage in their creative activities. They have wonderful memories of their "Popy".

Dr. DeLong is predeceased by his parents, James Mark and Francis Davis DeLong. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Catherine; two daughters, Laura Laibe (Rémi) of Mirecourt, France; Allison Falcone (David) of Jacksonville, Florida; and son Charlie (Taylor) of Austintown, Ohio. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Eliora, Simon, and Jude Laibe, Brooklyn and Thomas Falcone, Ansley and Jackson DeLong.

Other survivors include his brother, Jim DeLong of Gainesville, nephews Mark (Melissa) of Franklin, Tennessee; Scott (Charlotte) and great-nephews Evan and Cameron DeLong; great-niece Madeline DeLong all of Gainesville. Also surviving are cousins Frank (Lise) DeLong of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Hal (Sue) DeLong of Gainesville; Ginger (Ted) Burdo of LaGrange; Terry Davis of Gainesville.

The family would like to express grateful thanks to Greg's caregiver, Angela, who was truly a gift from God.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the First Baptist Church Chapel on April 14, 2026 at 11:00am. There will be visitation in the church parlor from 10:00-11:00.

If desired, donations in memory of Dr. DeLong can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.ORG/donatenow) or to a charity of your choice.