Charles F. Long Sr.

Charles Farrell Long, Sr, 84, passed away on Sept 30, 2018 in a local hospital with his family by his side after having had a massive stroke on Sept 22, 2018. He was born on Nov 19, 1933 at 901 High Street in Charlottesville to Cecil Early Long and Ruth Elizabeth (Shifflett) Long. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Shirley Dare (Long) Alessi (husband Augie); Cecil Early Long Jr (wife Dotty Heiserman Long); Francis Elizabeth (Long) Boger (husband Maurice). After being widowed, Charlie’s mother Ruth, remarried to Leslie E. Arthur, also now deceased.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Laura Ann (Tilley) Long, his son Charles Farrell Long, Jr., his daughter Linda (Long) Scott, as well as by one grandson, Charles Farrell “Trae” Long, III. Charlie is also survived by one sister, Jean R. (Long) Jones (husband Don-deceased) as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He served in the United States Navy from Jan 6, 1954 to Nov 1, 1957. Upon leaving the Navy, he and Ann started Group Underwriters Insurance Agency in 1969 with the goal of providing a “family feel” to insurance. Through Charlie’s hard work, Group Underwriters has grown to insure clients in over 30 states. Charlie was a workaholic and was happiest serving his clients or being at home out working in the yard.

He enjoyed helping the Charlottesville community whenever he could be of service. He worked on the local Bicentennial Committee, where he was instrumental in having the Queen’s Medal designed and produced through working with the then current Chief Engraver of the US, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of the Treasury. He participated in the presentation of the medal to and met Queen Elizabeth II. As a result of his tireless work on this project, he was appointed by President Ford to serve on the Assay Commission. All these things and few people ever knew. He did not brag about his accomplishments. He traveled the country but was always happiest when he came home to Charlottesville where he was a lifetime resident.

Charlie was an avid UVa basketball fan, counting Terry Holland as a friend, amongst many, many others. He could always be seen yelling into his small megaphone and waving a fist of support during home games. He will be sorely missed every time there is a home game.

The family visitation will be held at Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, Va 22901 from 5pm – 8pm on Thursday, Oct 4. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Fri, Oct 5 at Spring Hill Baptist Church, 2620 Frays Mill Rd, Ruckersville, Va 22968 with burial immediately following at the same location. Food will be provided following the services.

Flowers will be welcomed at Teague’s Funeral Home or a donation may be made in Charlie’s name to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA at 3355 Berkmar Dr, Charlottesville, Va 22901. Condolence messages can be sent via the Teague website: www.teaguefuneralhome.com.