Rev. Gideon M. Long

Gideon M. Long, Jr., of Spartanburg, died on September 10, 2013. He was 85 years old. Patriarch of the Long family, Reverend Long impacted countless lives as a pastor and friend. Having lived a rich and full life, Gideon will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was born in Greenville County of South Carolina to Gideon Madison Long (Monyo), Sr. and Ruby Lee Hooker. He attended Columbia High School. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University and earned graduate degrees from Southwestern Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina in 1951. He served as Corporal in the South Carolina Air National Guard in the 157th Fighter Squadron. Pastor Emeritus of Philadelphia Baptist Church, he also served as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Lyman, South Carolina for 21 years. In addition, he was Pastor at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg and Parkview Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida. Having retired in 1993, Rev. Long never left the ministry, as he continued service as Interim Pastor at many churches. Rev. Long's greatest treasure was his family. He was married to the late Lois Cherry of Dothan, Alabama for 52 wonderful years. They had four children and six grandchildren. Children are: Cherry Garasi (Michael), David Long (Rachelle), Mark Long (Leigh), and Carol Hall. Grandchildren are: Michael Tadlock (Amanda), Katie Long Brantley (Rick), Melissa Tadlock, Daniel Hall (Sarah), Madison Hall, and Helen-Grace Hall. Rev. Long married Betty Hooker of Spartanburg in 2009. Step children are Allen Hooker (Vickie), Robert Hooker (Anna Jane), and David Hooker (Elaine), and Betty’s grandchildren: Matt, Blythe, Whitney, Benjamin, Abbey and Samuel. Rev. Long has one brother, Daniel Long of Gainesville, Florida. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Thursday at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Pauline, conducted by Rev. George Jones and Rev. Eddie Cooper. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive visitors after the service at the church. Pallbearers will be grandsons, sons-in-law, and step sons. The family is at the home. In lieu of flowers, Rev. Long requested donations be made to Philadelphia Baptist Church Family Life Center, P.O. Box 220, Pauline, SC 29374, your local church, or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Rev. Gideon M. Long

May 29, 1928 - September 10, 2013