On Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:35 p.m., God called Jerry Lee Long home while he was surrounded by his loving family. He departed this life at UNC Surgical Hospital.

Jerry was born on February 25, 1947, in Alamance County to the late Eli Duby Long and Helen Pettiford Long. He graduated from Graham High School in 1965. Following graduation, he worked various jobs before beginning his career as a long-distance truck driver in 1970, a profession to which he remained dedicated for more than 40 years.

On September 8, 1967, Jerry married Daisy Rainey, and to this union three daughters were born: Wanda Long, Brenda Kay Long, and Kim Long.

Jerry was baptized in 1978 and became a member of White Cross AME Church, where he faithfully served until transferring his membership to Mt. Zion AME Church following his wife’s retirement. There, they worshiped together alongside their family.

Jerry enjoyed spending his free time at Piedmont Drag Strip with his daughters and friends. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes, watching NASCAR races, and later cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. Jerry was well known and deeply loved throughout his community, never meeting a stranger. One of his favorite pastimes was gathering with friends at the New American Country Store, affectionately known as “The Chicken Store,” where they shared conversation and kept up with current events.

Jerry touched the lives of many and will be remembered as a devoted provider, protector, and friend. His warm conversations and words of wisdom will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eli Duby Long; his daughters, Wanda Long and Brenda Kay Long; his brother, Charlie Long; and his sister, Lucy Long.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Rev. Daisy Long; his loving mother, Helen Long; one daughter, Kim Long; one granddaughter, Tenise Jones (Gregory); one grandson, Gerrell Long; two great-grandsons, Greyson Long and Lenox Jones; one great-granddaughter, Thyeri Long; four sisters, Hazel Canady, Lynda Arthur (Frank), Patsy Long, and Tammy Long; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Wells and Mary Rainey