Arnold A. Long
July 21, 1926-Feb. 9, 2014
Truly the Lord does work in mysterious ways. Mr. Arnold Long passed away on Feb. 9, 2014. Arnold Long’s death brought together many of his beloved friends and family members. Arnold Long enjoyed a long and prosperous life. He spent many years of his retirement going and visiting friends, talking on the phone with friends, and always remembering his beloved birthdays and special events. He was the quintessential prankster. He especially enjoyed going every Saturday night to the VFW of Sheffield, Ala. and listening to The Good Times Band. Mr. Long would sit at the corner of the bar and be entertained by watching everyone else dance and enjoy themselves.
Arnold left behind his beloved wife, Peggy; his two daughters, Sheree Cates and Brenda Murks; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He also left behind a longtime pal and buddy, Tim Case.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, J.C. (Cleve) Long and Carrie Long, his son, Randy Long, and his two infant sisters.
Arnold Long served in the military and was honorably discharged in 1946. He will have a military funeral. He joked that the headlines read, “Arnold Long enlists, and the Japanese surrender.”
Arnold Long was one of the kindest, most remarkable, and most generous men of his time. Arnold Long would always help others requiring his generosity so long as the source of the generosity would remain anonymous. Arnold Long buried almost all of his friends he grew up with and lived with at the time of his youth. If Mr. Long knew of a friend in need, and you were his friend, then that need was satisfied. Arnold Long was a person of great support, great encouragement, and was quite honestly the biggest cheerleader for so many individuals, family members, and friends.
Many people throughout the Shoals area and throughout southern Tennessee can attest that Arnold Long was their biggest supporter. In his final months, and in his final days, Arnold Long formed a very trusting and deep relationship with his attending physician, Dr. Barry Lumpkins, M.D., and his primary nurse, Stacy Wooten. Likewise, Dr. Lumpkins and Nurse Stacy Wooten formed an almost instant likeness for Arnold Long, and they did everything within their power to work with Mr. Long and his beloved wife, Peggy. In the final months, days, and in the final hours of his life, Arnold Long was surrounded by his beloved wife, Peggy, family members, friends, Dr. Barry Lumpkins, M.D., and Stacy Wooten. Mr. Long passed with great dignity, peace, and only in a way that God can work.
His home on W. Pasadena Ave. in Muscle Shoals, Ala. was a place of tears, agony, laughter, and joy. Simply, Mr. Long died at his home. His home was like “Grand Central Station” with the attendance of family and friends. The constant parade of people in his final days has served, does serve now, and will forever serve as a testament to what Mr. Long meant to so many people.
Special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to these certain people is not only required but is imperative. Mr. Long held a special and loving relationship with his first cousin, Oneta McConnell, and first cousins, G.W. Long and his wife, Gwen.
Moreover, Mr. Long repeatedly expressed in his final years, months, and days that the extended family of his beloved wife, Peggy, melted his heart. He often remarked that Peggy’s family and their acceptance of him was remarkable. He loved each and every one of them.
The final arrangements and funeral arrangements will be held by Carr and Erwin Funeral Home located at 1228 E. College St., Pulaski, Giles County, Tenn.
Pallbearers for Mr. Long’s funeral will be Ricky Hannah, “Pinkie” Willard, Mark Williams, Terrell Smith, Mike Cool, and Guy McDaniel.
Honorary pallbearers will include his longtime friend, David Bunell, and The Good Time Band members, Wayne, Danny, Jim, and Marty.
Speakers at Mr. Long’s funeral will include Dr. Barry Lumpkins, M.D., and Tim Case. Music will be provided by Tim Agee.
The funeral will take place in the chapel at Carr and Erwin Funeral Home today with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and the funeral service taking place thereafter at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate in this funeral and in the going home celebration of Mr. Arnold Austin Long.
Mr. Long will be laid to rest at Mitchell Cemetery in Anderson, Ala.
Flower arrangements are being conducted by Dickey’s Flowers located at 412 Legion Dr., Pulaski, Giles County, Tenn.
