Wayne Lynwood Long

Wayne Lynwood Long, 95, of Timberville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of humility, love of family, and a life lived with integrity and grace. Born on September 17, 1929, in Mount Jackson, Virginia, Wayne was the son of the late Homer Allen Long Sr. and Margaret Grace Barton Long. He was the youngest of nine children and was preceded in death by all of his siblings: Madlyn Long Fleming, Hoyle Barton Long, John B. Long, Louise Long Nairn, Clarence C.W. "Jim" Long, Homer A. Long, Phyllis Long Hughes, and Harry E. Long. He was deeply connected to his family, his brothers and sisters being his best friends and mentors. Most of the family were involved with farming and the poultry industry, and Wayne followed suit. His love for the land of the Shenandoah Valley ran deep. In his later years, nothing pleased him more than riding on country roads while recounting family history, pointing out landmarks, and visiting ancestral cemeteries. After graduating from New Market High School, Wayne, on his 17 th birthday with two best buddies and a permission letter from his mother, enlisted in the US Army. He served in Trieste, Italy after the end of World War II, and came home with a penchant for travel, a love of crusty Italian bread, and a sniper's bullet in his shoulder. He enrolled in Roanoke College but left after a year to explore the poultry industry in Venezuela, returning to the US to work at Dayton Feeds. On June 26, 1954, Wayne married Ann Lewis Payne in Front Royal, Virginia. Their marriage spanned more than 66 years until Ann's passing on July 24, 2020. Together they built a "never a dull moment" life and raised three children on their Timberville farm, "Long Meadow," where they lived for over five decades before moving in 2011 to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) in Harrisonburg. At VMRC, they found old friends and new. Wayne was particularly delighted to find a fellow group of pool sharks and regularly engaged in competition. Wayne was a respected poultry and cattle farmer, and real estate developer. He made significant contributions to the agricultural and business communities, serving as President of the Virginia Turkey Association and as a Director of Farmers and Merchants Bank, Skyline Caverns, and Dayton Feeds. He served his local community as an active member of the Timberville Lions club. He and Ann shared a lifelong love of travel and adventure. When the children were young, the family explored much of the US, Canada, and Mexico by RV. Wayne and Ann also traveled abroad to over 40 countries, often with members of Wayne's family. Reflecting on those many trips, he declared Egypt and safari in Kenya to be his favorites. When his traveling days were over, there was no conversation Wayne enjoyed more than hearing about other people's trips and travel plans. His frequent advice was, "Do it while you can." A devoted member of Broadway Presbyterian Church for over 65 years, Wayne served as both Elder and Trustee. His faith was evident in his daily life-through his kindness, quiet generosity, and steadfast commitment to family and community, qualities which also made him a good father and role model. Wayne is survived by his three children: Susan Long-Marin (Jess) of Statesville, NC; Kathryn Long (Jim) of Alexandria, VA; and Thomas Long (Jennifer) of Richmond, VA; his treasured grandchildren: Olivia Long, Alexander Long, and Davis Long; his sister-in-law, Nellie Lantz Long; numerous, much loved nieces and nephews; and his family at VMRC, especially the staff at Brunk House, who cared for him in his last year with so much love. Many people will tell you Wayne was an excellent listener, truly interested in and concerned for those with whom he conversed. Others will tell you he had an insatiable sweet tooth and never met a dessert he didn't like. And still others will remember that as age crept up his best advice was, "Keep on keeping on." Wayne Lynwood Long will best be remembered as a true gentleman-humble, principled, a man of faith who was devoted to his family and friends. His legacy of service, strength, and compassion will live on in the lives of those he touched. He truly showed us the way. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 7 at the Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway. A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, September 8 at 1:00 pm in the Detwiler Auditorium on the VMRC campus. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to one of Wayne's favorite charitable organizations: The Good Samaritan Fund of the VMRC Foundation; Heifer International ; or Smile Train. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Wayne Lynwood Long, please click here to visit our sympathy store. Memorial Donation