The Shadow
Gene Karl (Skinny) Long, 80, completed his last and greatest adventure when he died on October 8, 2014 at his home with his son by his side.
Skinny was born in Covington, Virginia and had been a resident of the Peninsula since 1952.
He attended public schools in Covington, Virginia and was a 1957 graduate of the Newport News Apprentice School. He served in various capacities in the Design/Engineering Divisions during his employment with the shipyard. His years of service distinguished him as a Master Shipbuilder in 1992. He was a Manager in the SSN 688 Class Propulsion Design Nuclear Services Department at the time of his retirement in 1996 after 44 years service with the Company.
He was of the Protestant faith and was reared in the Presbyterian Church and later became a member of the Methodist denomination.
He had a deep interest in world history, especially British and United States history, as well as that of all English speaking peoples. He now becomes a part of that history. He was well traveled throughout the world and the United States and marveled at the natural beauty of those places where his travels took him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Harry Long, Sr. and Leonora Josephine Fix Long, five brothers, and two sisters. His devoted wife and the Light of his Life, Patricia (Patsy) Rice Long, also preceded him in death. Patsy was his wife of fifty-five years and his dearest friend of seventy years.
He is survived by his beloved son, David Lloyd Long, and his wonderful wife, Patricia (Patty) Major Long, and the Hopes of his Dreams, his grandchildren, Jesse Karl and Lorelei Patricia Long. Other survivors include a sister, Mrs. William J. Ellis of Raleigh, North Carolina and numerous nephews, nieces, and in-laws. To those who loved him, he made the world more special just by being in it.
He and his late wife’s cremains will be interred on a hillside in the Idlewood section of beautiful, historic Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.
