Edward Stickley Long Jr.

Edward Stickley Long, Jr., 91, of McGaheysville, VA passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his home.

Mr. Long was born on October 11, 1934 in Mt. Meridian, VA and was the son of the late Edward Stickley Long, Sr. and Bessie L. Seiger Long.

He graduated from Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets in 1956 with an Agriculture Education degree. He was a cadet and reached the rank of Battalion Commander. Edward also served as a pilot in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged with a rank of Captain. While in the Air Force, he was certified on numerous aircraft, with the largest being the B-25. He then graduated from Madison College with a masters degree in educational administration. Throughout his career, he held many positions in the Rockingham County Public School system including, Agriculture Teacher and Principal of Elkton High School, Director and Principal of Massanutten Technical Center and Director of Vocational Education for Rockingham and Harrisonburg.

Edward was a life-long member of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren and served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Church Moderator. He was also an active member of the Cross Keys Ruritan Club for many years. Even after retirement, he volunteered with area youth and sporting activities. The indoor track at Rockingham Park, in Penn Laird, was named in his honor.

Surviving family members to treasure his memory are sons, Timothy Long and wife, Cristy of Keezletown, Edward "Chip" Long, III of McGaheysville and Charles Long and wife, Robin of Dayton; grandchildren, Kyle Long and wife, Hailey, Jeffrey Long and wife, Ashley, Jeremy Long and wife, Katie, Blair Hoffman and husband, Tyler, Bryli Antalick and husband, Shane, Jordan Long and wife, Bailey, Logan Long and wife, Mariah, Grayson Long and Gannon Long; great-grandchildren, Lydia, Molly Anne, Owen, Dawson, Beckett, Luke, Teale, Renley, Bridger, and Amelia; and sisters-in-law, Dottie Long and Mary Ann Rubush.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Katherine Rubush Long; brothers, John Strother Long and Charles Edward Long; sisters, Betty Long Jarrels and Joanne Long Scott.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren with Pastor Glenn Bollinger and Pastor Ryan McAllister officiating. Interment will be private at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ed Long, Jr. Family "Career and Technical Education Scholarship Fund" with the Rockingham Education Foundation, Inc., 100 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or Mill Creek Church of the Brethren Kitchen Fund, 7600 Port Republic Road, Port Republic, VA 24471.