Charles Barry Col. Long

Colonel (Retired) Charles Barry Long, born July 29, 1946, went to be with the Lord on May 28, 2015 at the age of 68. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lorene Long. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara Medcalf Long, and their three sons: David and his wife Jody Long and their two sons, Cameron and Ryan Long all living in Beaver Creek, Ohio; Michael and his wife Kelly Long and their three sons, Caleb, Mason, and Brady Long all living in Keller, TX; and finally, the third son Scott Long who lives in Fort Worth, TX. Barry is also survived by his younger brother, Michael G. Long and his family, wife Jo Long, daughter Denise Long, and granddaughter Victoria Long, all living in August, SC.

Although born in Charlotte, NC, Barry grew up in North Augusta, SC and graduated from North Augusta High School in 1964. He then attended the University of South Carolina where he received his B.S. in Economics and was commissioned a 2LT as a distinguished graduate from the Air Force ROTC program. Barbara, also a graduate of the University of SC, and Barry were married the day after their graduation in June, 1968. Later that month, Barry entered graduate school and completed his Master's in Business Administration degree (MBA) and then entered active duty with the Air Force in October 1969.

His first assignment was with the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, SD. For the next 30 years, Barry served in a variety of Air Force support officer positions at the squadron, wing, major air command, and air staff levels. Most of his assignments were in the Services and Personnel career fields, and included tours with the USAF Recruiting Service in Montgomery, AL; the 95th Strategic Wing at Goose Bay International Airport in Labrador, Canada; two assignments (one as a Captain and one as a Colonel) with the Commandant of Cadets Staff at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado; the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom; with the USAFE Inspector General and NATO Tactical Evaluation Team at Ramstein AB, Germany; two assignments at Randolph AFB, TX; and a senior staff position at HQ Pacific Air Forces in Hickam AFB, HI.

Colonel Long's professional Military Education included graduations from Squadron Officers School, a distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and the National Defense University's National Security Management Course. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, and the National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star. In August 1999, Colonel Long was named the Air Forces' General Michael P.C. Carns Services Award Winner, the highest individual award in the Services career field and is presented annually to the person who best exemplifies personal leadership, innovation, and ingenuity to improve the Services community.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in October of 1999, Barry served as the San Antonio Director of Operations for Command Technologies, Inc. (CTI), a defense contractor headquartered in Warrenton, VA. In 2006, Barry completely retired to spend more time with his family, to serve his church, and to enjoy his many friendships. He was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church where he served as an ordained deacon, a past Trustee, and on many ministry and service teams of the church. He loved being outdoors surrounded by God's beautiful creation, and he especially enjoyed his many hunting, fishing, and golf outings over the years. Golf has been a lifelong passion for Barry, and as a member of four senior gold leagues in recent years, he enjoyed hundreds of golf rounds and untold hours of laughter and fellowship with his manhy buddies as he loved "to pull their chains," especially on the golf course. Barry and Barbara have always been avid travelers and were able to make many "bucket list trips" together over the past ten years. Barry will be remembered as a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man of integrity, commitment, perseverance, and enthusiasm, who possessed a strong sense of humor and loved to laugh - he will be missed by many. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 4 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE

FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

12:00 P.M.

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

319 E. MULBERRY ST.

There will also be a time of food, fellowship, and visitation from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. before the memorial service in the Creative Life Center. Burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Military Honors will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or the capital maintenance reserve account at Trinity Baptist Church.