My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I have many good memories of Abe. He was such a kind hearted Man and loved by so many. I remember being at Longs Auto and he would be there telling funny stories. I remember Turtle and me going to his and Shirley's house and there little blind dog. I feel so blessed having known Abe. Rest In Peace Dear Abe.

.Yesterday evening Lizz received a phone call from a dear old friend Shirley Long. I was driving the car Lizz answered with a very cherry "Hi Shirley" quickly the call turn solemn and I came to realize Shirley's husband and my dear friend Charlie had passed away with a heart attack. We had just visited Shirley and Charlie less than two weeks ago after not seeing them for several years and as friends are the time disappeared and the reunion made the separation seem but a few days, that is what true friends are. Enough of this let me take the next few lines to tell you about my friend Charles " Charlie" Long aka Abraham Lincoln.     We met Charlie and Shirley when we move into our new home in Shepherdsville Ky. in June of 1971. We were leaving the "big city" of Louisville and bought a tract of paradise. Charlie and Shirley were doing the same. As we were close to the age and we had two boys and they two girls the friendship was a natural. Charlie was a remarkable man that could take life as it came to him good and bad always with a calm demeanor , slight grin and a shrug then move forward. We were assembling a patio cover at his house one day in the summer of '71 , I took a break and went home for lunch. In that time a storm blew in and wrecked Charlie's patio. When I returned I found Charlie gathering pieces grinned at me and we started all over. Never did a word of anger or frustration cross his lips. I could recount many situations like the aforementioned but it would be pointless they all came out the same Charlie being Charlie calm embracing life as it came.     In December of 1979 when I was shot in the line of duty as a police officer and taken to Louisville General Hospital the usual people were there, cops everywhere, wife & kids, medical staff, media and who knows who else. Unknown to me Charlie arrived at the hospital and maintained a vigil by himself in the hospital lobby. You see when cops are wounded friends like Charlie are excluded by the powers that be, Police Officials, as not important to the injured officer . Charlie a soft spoken and quiet man did not protest but quietly withdrew to maintain a prayer vigil for me, his friend. The next morning Lizz found Charlie and took him in to see me in my hospital, his eyes moistened for me. To this day that act of friendship and devotion is as real as the day Charlie came to visit 34 years ago. You know when we talk about sharing the love of Christ we often think of a great speaker proclaiming the gospel and often give little regard to folks like Charlie who answer the question " What Would Jesus Do" not by what they say but what they do very quietly , humbly without expecting recognition or praise.      I would say one of Charlie's greatest joys was he was an Abraham Lincoln impersonator. He bore a remarkable resemblance to Mr. Lincoln and loved to talk about the Lincoln conventions he attended. He showed me during our recent visit a picture of himself in full Lincoln attire in a periodical, once again like looking like Old Abe himself. Appearance aside Charlie had other attributes of Mr. Lincoln. He had a genuine love for his fellow man, remarkable sense of humor, he valued friendship, he could find the good in anyone, and he always had the desire to leave the world a better place , I do believe Charlie was successful. Also like Old Abe Charlie had a place in his heart for the downtrodden and needy. He would help a neighbor or a stranger simply because he was Charlie. Charlie would serve Christ in his church like he lived quietly , helping others never drawing attention to himself. I am so appreciative that one of the last activities Charlie and I shared is we worshipped at his church.     Let me end with this. When Mr. Lincoln died on the morning of April 15, 1865 Secretary of War Edwin Stanton said " Now he belongs to the Ages". Please allow me this for my friend to honor him, Charlie " Charlie' Long aka Abraham Lincoln " Now he belongs to the Ages".        My tribute to a friend and a great man.  This was from my father Donald Howard speaking of his friend.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Uncle Charlie will be missed. I will always remember the fun I had with him  when visiting Kentucky. I am so glad you were able to visit a couple years ago. Always a pleasure having ABE on my front porch. Love Claudine

Charlie was a man after God's own heart. His gentleness and concern equaled no other. He always had a smile and a handshake with a twinkle in his eye. He will be truly missed. Prayers for Shirley and his family.

To the family, he will be missed. My family and i very sadden by this loss, we wish we could be there to be with you in this time. But our prayers and love we send to you. I know how much he was loved by all who meet him. He was the best ABE. God bless.

Charlie will always be remebered at Good Shepherd Worship Center.  Someone was telling me how nice he was when she first came to Good Shepherd.  How he always gave the kids a picture of himself (a penny). When ever there was something going on at church he was always there to help in anyway that he could.  Just on Monday night he was at church helping in the kitchen with VBS.  He could probably tell you the name of every person at church he loved greeting people on Sunday mornings.  Are loss was heaven gain.  Will miss you Charlie.

Leave a condolence or a memory.Abe we miss u so very much! You had been r dearest neighbor 4 over 13 years !  Me & kids will always remember your smile, jokes , kindness .not a day will go by where we wont wish 4 u not 2 come over & talk awhile!Shirley we r hear 4 u whenever u need us!God only takes the best!we love u .rest n peace till we meet again

Fond memories of Charles and Shirley with my husband, Bill, in their travels following the Lincoln activities, Look- Alike contests, and parades.  My family and I are so saddened for you in your loss.

I'm so sorry  to hear about uncle Charlie , he was a great man . You are in our thoughts and prayers

He used to tell us that he got money at the gas station and gas at the bank.. boy we were really confused. When it rained he would say we had to hurry home so he could put rain boots on the chickens. He always had a smile on his face and made all of us smile right along with him.

We are so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing, but so very happy that we had the pleasure of visiting with you both in April at the ALP Convention in Columbus, OH. Charlie looked so well then and we're glad you were both able to enjoy that event. We are glad that we were able to visit with you for those few days. Shirley, we know that God will help you and your loved ones through this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sharon & Steve Wood, Claremont, NH

OBITUARY

Charles "Abe" Long

August 3, 1942 – June 19, 2013

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