George Long

George Richard "Dickie" Long, 77, of Jackson, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2019, in the city that he loved. He was born February 15, 1942, to Edith and John Long in Biloxi, MS. He served as mayor of the City of Jackson for 16 years and prior to that, he served as a City Council member. He was also Jackson's Citizen of the Year in 2010, past President of Rotary, and member of First United Methodist Church.

Richard graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1960 where he was awarded Spirit and Sportsmanship Awards and attended Boys State. He was also a proud graduate of University of Southern Mississippi where he received his Bachelor of Science in Math and a minor in Physics and was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

Richard served in the United States Navy Reserves for 9 years, including 2 years of active duty. In 1962, he was awarded the Cuban Blockade Medal for his contribution to the Cuban Naval Blockade. He has also been a lifelong member of VFW Post 5335.

His service to Jackson started as early as 1979, when he joined the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department. He would go on to serve on the Jackson City Council representing District 2 (1984 to 1988) and District 3 (1992 to 2000).

After being elected mayor in 2000, he went to work to improve the quality of life for Jackson's residents. During his tenure, the city made major investments and improvements to city infrastructure. Notable projects include the Jackson Police Complex, Municipal Court Building, public library expansion, senior citizens complex, water treatment plant, softball stadium, tennis complex, high school athletic complex and the new downtown fire station.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jeanette Long Massengale and Carol Long Kirke. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan Bolen Long; children, John Edward Long (Laura), Lee Christian Long (Kathy Taylor); grandson John Franklin Long; and brothers, John Allen Long of Tampa, FL and Joseph Michael Long of Albuquerque, NM.

Memorial Services will be held Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Jackson, 146 College Ave. Jackson, AL 36545.

Honorary pallbearers are Doug Walker, JR Moses, Don Shelton, Chase Moses, Don Renegar, Joe Skipper, Betty Powell, Gaines McCorquodale, Bob Bowling, Bobby Bounds, Louis Finlay, Buddy Skipper, Henry Hennington, Josh Bolen, Jim Bolen, Sam Miller, Jonathan Skipper, Mike Furr, Jackie Chastain and John Brown.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to First United Methodist Church in Jackson, AL.

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