Julian Reece “J.R.” Long – Obituary

Julian Reece “J.R.” Long, 89, of Iuka, Mississippi, died Thursday, June 06, 2013, at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth. Mr. Long was a WWII veteran, having served in the Coast Guard and the Marines, and he recently participated in the Honor Flight to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. He was an avid musician who loved playing guitar, especially with his local band of friends in the Savannah Dixieland Band. A graduate of Mississippi State University, he was a coach and teacher in the Memphis public school system, and he served as Tishomingo county Superintendent of Education. Mr. Long worked as a banker and vice-president of First American National Bank for 25 years, and he also served as the state chairman for the March of Dimes and was active in the Gideons, Rotary Club, and Masons. He was also the Grand Marshall for the Iuka Christmas Parade for many years. Mr. Long was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Visitation is scheduled for 10 AM until 2 PM on Saturday, June 8 at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka, officiated by Bro. Nathan Davidson and Bro. Kevin Merritt. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery with full military honors. Family will serve as pallbearers. Honorary bearers will be John “Snooky” Nobles, and James Saul. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. He is survived by 2 daughters – Dr. Londee Kent (John) of Iuka and Layde Love Long-Smith (Reggie) of Kingston Springs, TN; 1 son – Jon Long (Janet) of Iuka; 1 brother – Theron Long (Mary) of Hernando, MS; 4 grandchildren – Carra Purvis (Bob), Reed Kent, Anna Helton (Sean), and Bret-Reece Smith; 3 great grandchildren – Sophie Purvis, Vallie Zane Purvis, and Julianna Helton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Gilmer Long; a daughter, Juliana Gilmer Long; his parents, Charles and Portia Long; and brothers Eulos Long, Herman Long, and Hollis Long.