John Edward Long

John was born August 3, 1943 to Robert Bobo Long, Sr. and Mae Jones Long in Greenville South Carolina, the second of three children. When he was seven, his dad’s work took the family to Asheville, North Carolina where he grew up. There he attended the Asheville Public Schools, graduating from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1961. In Asheville, he was very active in school and community affairs, making many lifelong friends.

In 1966, he earned his degree in Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University and then chose to answer his nation’s call to service by joining the United States Air Force. He dared to soar with the eagles and entered the USAF pilot training program at Webb AFB in Big Springs, Texas. During his time in the service, he later went on to graduate from the Air Command and Staff College, obtain an MBA from Golden Gate University, and graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF).

While stationed at Nellis AFB near Las Vegas, Nevada, then Air Force Captain Long met the love of his life, Kathleen Flaherty. They were married on June 5, 1971 at the Nellis AFB Chapel. Their 50 years of marriage gave them two sons, Kevin M Long, born January 5, 1974, and Ryan C Long, born June 25, 1975, and many wonderful memories.

John traveled the world with his lovely wife, doing his part for his country as an Air Force pilot. He primarily flew the F-111 fighter bomber, logging over 3000 flight hours in the F-111 which set a new record at the time. During his early years in the Air Force he flew many combat missions in Southeast Asia. He lived wherever the Air Force sent him throughout the country and the world, and along the way, he and Kathleen managed to raise two happy sons.

He loved traveling with his beautiful wife and visited a total of 75 countries, some many times. Living abroad in Thailand; Oxford, England; and Copenhagen, Denmark were some of his favorites times. He had the distinct honor of representing the Air Force as the defense attaché at the US embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. In his four years as an attaché, John was an outstanding representative for his country and received the Order of the Dannebrog, a rare honor from his host country.

After John retired from the Air Force, he traveled North America working as a consultant to improve industrial production and efficiencies for numerous clients.

John and his wife Kathleen later opened a retail custom furniture business in Arlington, Virginia in 2004. This adventure had many challenges but gave him a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit that is the backbone of America.

He loved seeing his sons succeed in their chosen fields, getting married and having their own children. It brought him great joy seeing his grandchildren grow and learn.

He was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Kathleen. He is survived by his older brother Robert B. Long, Jr. of Asheville, NC and his sister Judy Long of Athens, GA; sons Kevin (Shannon) and Ryan (Erika) who live in the Washington, D.C. area; and four grandchildren Phoebe, Rigsby, Lucy, and Mary Long.

According to his wishes, there will be a private Funeral Mass. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be set by the Cemetery.