Wayne Charles Long

Wayne Charles Long, 79, of Hildebran, passed away on February 10, 2017 at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born February 15, 1937 in Wilkes County, he was the son of the late Noah Garfield Long and Ida Billings Long. He attended school in McDowell County, WV and served four years in the US Navy. Wayne was married to the late Nancy Lindsay Long.

After serving his country, Wayne came to Hickory to make his home. He worked at Hickory Well Drilling and the well drilling businesses in the area for 48 years, and loved playing softball with his church team. He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Hickory, which he attended faithfully. He was well thought of and everyone he met became his friend, as he knew no strangers. He loved sports, especially basketball and kept up with NC Tar Heels as well as other college teams. He always had a helping hand for others that didn’t have the ability to do for themselves. He stayed active throughout his life, in his church and in his community. For the last six years, Wayne had volunteered his time at the East Burke Christian Ministry.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Lindsay Long; brothers, Brad, Roy, Ward, Willard and Olen; sisters, Cora and Ora and three nephews.

Wayne is survived by a daughter, Donna Keller (Josh) of Hudson NC; son, Bruce Long ( Thuy Truc) of Hildebran, NC; grandson, Justen Bowman (Layla) of Lenoir, NC; brother; James Long (Ruth) of Hickory; sister, Margaret Felts (Howard) of McGrady, NC; brother-in-law, Charles Lindsay and wife Jane of Hildebran; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017 in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Hickory with the Pastor Robert Saine officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the East Burke Christian Ministries, P O Box 183, Hildebran, NC 28637.