Eugene ‘Gene’ Aldridge Long, 82, of Tampa, Florida passed away Thursday, June 23rd, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Wilma Long, niece Cindy Jetmore, and nephew Terry Jetmore King. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn Clemons Long; children, Clifford Long, Todd (Kathie) Long, and Melinda (Keith) Wilson; sister, Paula Lewis; niece, Angela Jetmore; 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Eugene was born on July 29th, 1939 in Asheville, North Carolina to Paul and Wilma Long. After his family relocated to Tampa, Florida, Eugene later graduated from Hillsborough High School where he met his wife, Marilyn. Always faithful, he achieved the rank of Corporal in the US Marine Corp, from which he was honorably discharged with values he carried through all aspects of his life. Eugene later competed in the National Steamfitter/Pipefitter apprenticeship competition at Purdue University (winning for the state of Florida); shortly thereafter, he was elected by his peers as the business agent of the union at age 26 – the youngest in Florida history. During his tenure, he led one of the most critical strikes and secured the best contract for the piping union in that era. He later represented the piping industry in the Tampa area before going into business for himself with Long Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors for over 15 years. Eugene then pursued his real estate license in 1987 and joined Weichert, Realtors, where he nurtured meaningful relationships with hundreds of families and garnered numerous awards for 34 years.
Though he greatly enjoyed his work, home renovation projects, landscaping, and chess, Eugene’s number one priority in life was his family. He and his wife Marilyn were incredibly active in their children’s sports activities, including football, baseball, softball, swimming, and cheerleading. In addition to Sweet Gene, Daddy, and eventually Paw Paw, one of Eugene’s many names was Coach: during a hectic period of work and obligations, he made time to coach his sons in Little League baseball and eventually football during their time at Chamberlain High School. Eugene’s strong leadership is evident across his many professions, but he would tell you himself that the true measure of a man is defined by a conviction of faith and a dedication to his family. His continual claim was that he only loved one woman, one nation, and one God.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, Florida 33618.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mitchell (Mickey) Newberger, Silvio Polo, Jack Spicer, Will Bissett, Luke Ferguson, Jerry Reynolds and Faxon Bissett – proudly known to Eugene as The Deplorables.
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