James Michael Long was born in Memphis, Tn. on June 3, 1947 to the late James V. Long and Irene Hudson Long. He passed from this life on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Baptist Hospital-Union County in New Albany at the age of 75 after a period of declining health. Mike grew up in Memphis and attended the public schools there and graduated from Frazier High School. A patriotic American, Mike answered the call of duty serving his country in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Mike attended Northeast Miss. Community College and began his lifelong career in the furniture industry. He first worked for Futorian Furniture, then Benchcraft Furniture, then PeopLoungers in Nettleton and ultimately became the co –owner and co-founder, with Larry Ward, of White Line Enterprises. He was a skilled businessman, a master salesman, enjoyed talking to his customers and storytelling. Mike enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and while he never hunted much, he loved taking his family hunting. A Methodist, he enjoyed his family especially his grandchildren.
There will be no public services, per Mike’s request. For those who wish, a register book may be found on line at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Mike is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Debbie Williams Long of Chesterville; three sons, Michael Long and wife, Taylor of Chesterville; Matt Long of Pontotoc and Chris Long and wife, Melissa of Myrtle; his 11 grandchildren whom PaPaw loved- Haley, Riley, Maddie, Layla, Sadie, Noel, Marley, Jed, Wesson, Peyton and Peri. 5 great grandchildren; a son in law, Barry Pierce of Tupelo and a sister, Bonnie Rutherford and husband, Don of Memphis. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Memorials in Mike’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tn. 38105. Condolences may be posted at hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends.
