Donald Edward Long

Donald Edward Long, 87, of Franklin, NC, passed away February 27, 2024. He was born July 11, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Orville and Inez Snook Long. 

Don served his country with 23 years of service in the U.S. Army including assignments with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, Special Forces and many other units. Don's service included two tours in Vietnam. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and multiple other commendations. Don loved his time in the Army and was always seen wearing his Army ball cap depicting his time in the service and was quick to recount a story to any that asked.

After retirement from the Army, Don worked with Abbott Labs in Austin, TX as a plant maintenance manager. After leaving Abbott, he worked as a facilities / maintenance specialist with General Dynamics in Cairo, Egypt.

Following a long work career, Don and Martha (Jean) set out to travel, visiting many parts of the world. They sold their home in Texas and spent the next 20+ years traveling the US visiting family and grandchildren while seeing most of this great country that he loved.

Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Martha (Jean) Peele Long; son, Donald M. Long (Dona) of Raeford, NC, daughters, Robin Connell (Steve) of Franklin, NC, Debra K. Howington (Dwayne) of Hutto, TX, and Pamela Jean Horne (David) of Franklin, NC; brother Tim Long of Ft. Wayne, IN; thirteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the North Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Long family. 

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