We gather here today to celebrate the passing of Deacon Johnny Long, Sr., a man who has served our church and community for many, many years. Deacon Johnny Long, Sr. was born September 9, 1932 in Gainesville, Alabama to Mr. Gentry and Mrs. Annie Bell Long. He confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Houston. His enthusiasm to serve God was his life’s purpose. He served in many capacities at AMBC for many years: Deacon Ministry Chairman, President of Male Chorus, Chairman of the Personnel Board, Sunday School Teacher Class #1 and in any other capacity when needed. In his quiet unassuming way, he has been an example for the young men of his community to follow. He attended Pipe Shop Elementary School and graduated from Brighton High School in 1951. After graduating from high school, Johnny enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after completing four years of service. Johnny attended Booker T. Washington Business College, The University of Alabama Center for Labor Education, Lawson State Community College in 1973, Georgia State University- Atlanta, Georgia and the Harvard University Trade Union Program in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1990. Johnny began his career with the United Steelworkers of America in 1955 at the U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company in Bessemer, Alabama. In 1976, he was appointed Staff Representative to District 9 in Atlanta, Georgia, retiring in 1955. Johnny was continually active in Georgia. He worked closely with the Georgia State AFL-CIO, the Atlanta Labor Council, President of the Phillip Randolph Institute and in other areas too numerous to name. In the community, Johnny invested his many talents into every good work. He was active and ever ready to do what was needed. He served as Democratic Executive Committeeman, two terms as Constable of District 49. He was actively involved in the organization and construction of the Pipe Shop Community Center, drawing plans for the building and serving as president for an extended period. He was involved in securing streetlights and fire-hydrants for the Pipe Shop area. He also was the Founder and 40-year Chairman of the Israel Williams Scholarship Fund, Inc. He was also a past president of the Hueytown Concerned Citizens of Hueytown, Inc. To his family he was patient, loving and supportive. Because of his many virtues and the consistent life he lived, his family has a storehouse of memories, knowledge and quotes instilled in them. If you need advice, or just a word of encouragement go to Granddad. He was the Christ- like example and the confidence – inspiring, always encouraging counselor and minister to his family’s need. A life lived as Deacon Long cannot die, but will live on in the hearts, memories and ideals of all those who knew and loved him. After a brief illness, Johnny departed this life Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 1:30 A.M. at Brookwood/Princeton Hospital, Birmingham. Preceding him in death we his parents; son, Cleveland Long; stepdaughter, Jacquelyn Spence; brothers, Roderick, Alphonso, Nathaniel Long and one sister. Appreciating his unwavering support and cherishing his memories are his loving wife, Stella Long; sons, Johnny Long, Jr., Helena, AL and Pvt. Jakobi M. Long, Tacoma, WA; daughter, Barbara Parker, Hoover, AL; brothers, Carl (Vicky) Long, Dayton, OH, Derringer (LeDeadra) Long, Marietta, GA; sisters, Julia Richardson and Kathleen Hale both of Bessemer, AL; grandchildren, Malenna Saunders, Desmond Davis, Cleveland Tubbs, Roderick (Leshia) Harris, Johna Long, Kimberley Johnson, Jonathan Long, Michael Long, Jaylon Long, Jameca Collins, Laneka Spence, Jakori Spence and Jacquenese Owens; great grandchildren, Sharif Musgroves, Kai Long, Mariah Johnson, Darius, Adaiah, Minnah Tubbs, Payton Crowell, A’Nyah and Dalyn Harris, Christian, Josiah, Alex, Zoe, Jackya Collins, Michael Carlton, Jr. and Jaid Spears; great-great grandchild, Kai Harris; stepdaughter, Angelique Owens; special friends, Charles Colston, Birmingham, AL, Amos Beasley, Atlanta, GA, AMBC Deacon Ministry, Male Chorus, Sunday School Class #1; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them which also sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him….Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-18