James Randolph (Randy) Long

James Randolph (Randy) Long died peacefully while a patient at Tranquility at Cobb Hospital on October 16, 2026. Born on May 24, 1944, Randy was the youngest of the six Long children. He was a graduate of Ben Hill Elementary School, Brown High School, and of Georgia State University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business in 1968.

Randy enjoyed growing up in what was then the rural community of Ben Hill, Georgia. He had fond memories of working in the garden and riding horses. When asked about his favorite memories, he mentioned going to Ben Hill Methodist Church and attending summer camp at Camp Glisson in Dahlonega. He remembered that the family had little money but plenty to do.

He had fond memories of growing up with his siblings. He was especially grateful to his sister Peggy for helping him land one of his first jobs at St. Joseph Hospital, when it was still in its downtown Atlanta location. And he remembered trips with his sister Skeet to Savannah, Sandusky, and their tour of the western states, including the Grand Canyon.

Randy married Cerise Gaissert in 1970, and the two of them became the proud parents of Tracey while living in Houston, Texas in September of 1971. Following the dissolution of that marriage, he took Patricia (Pat) Saxon as his wife in September 1978; and the two of them became the proud parents of Adam while living in Douglasville in 1987.

For many years, Pat worked for the Atlanta Braves, and the family enjoyed watching their games. Randy worked in financial services ever since graduating from college. He worked as a manager of a consumer loan company, and later in mortgage lending for various banks and mortgage companies. He found joy in helping homebuyers obtain financing for their first homes.

Randy very much enjoyed Tracey, her husband Joe, and their children Isabel and Chase. He was very proud of their accomplishments.

In his later years, Randy was plagued by back pains and by COPD. A variety of illnesses had limited his movements and activities, and finally almost confined him to his home.

Randy was a caring person and was easy to love. His family and friends were grieved that his illnesses were taking such a toll on his life. He was very blessed to have Adam live with him in his later years to assist him with tasks around the house, and to provide him transportation when he needed to go out. Despite his many ailments, Randy always thought of himself as being very blessed. And those of his family and friends who knew and loved Randy considered him a blessing as well.

The family will receive friends at Whitley Garner Funeral Home 8640 Rose Ave Douglasville, GA on October 24, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am followed by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel at 10:00 am. Entombment will be held at Rosehaven Cemetery.  

Whitley Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements of Mr. James Randolph Long.