Thomas David Long

Houston-Thomas David Long, 78, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born on September 24, 1947 in Chickasaw County in the Hot Air community to Jesse James Long and Maybell Whitt Long. David was a member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church. Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Long family. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 1:00 at Southern Funeral Home with Danny Wooldridge officiating. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery in Houston. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until service time at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers are Josh Verell, Shayne Verell, Thomas Verell, Blake Long, Andrew Long, and Dylan Long. Honorary pallbearers are Alec Long and Tristin Patterson. David was a graduate of Houston High School and received his associate degree from Itawamba Community College. He married the love of his life, Delores "Dee" Grant on May 2, 1980 and they "tackled life together". They always worked together, 50/50, whether it was housework or outside work. David retired in 2003 after 28 years with MS Department of Transportation. He worked there first as a mechanic then as a shop supervisor. He was a talented mechanic. It was said he could diagnose an engine by listening to it over the phone. He dedicated his life to God and family. His only hobbies were his family and helping others. He always welcomed all with "come on it" and loved having a house full of kids, his own and their friends. Known as "Pa Paw" he loved spoiling his grandchildren. He leaves a heritage of love and many happy memories with his family. David leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Delores "Dee" Long; his sons, B.J. Long and Andrew Long (Jessica) both of Houston; his daughter, Chelley Patterson (Rich Davis) of Amory; his sister, Margie Wooldridge of Meridian; sister-in-law, Maxine Long of Houston; grandchildren, Shayne Verell (Brianna), Josh Verell (Boo), Thomas Verell (Sam), Dylan Long, Blake Long, Alec Long (Brooke), Tristin Patterson, Haley Patterson, J.D. Long, Jon Thomas Long, and Richleigh Davis; seventeen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse James and Maybell Long; his brothers, James Long and Bobby Long; and his sisters, Peggy Craigo, Virginia Grimes, Billie Jean Long, Grace Long and Joyce Gann.