John Morris Long

   John Morris Long, 74, of 442 Hurdletown Road, Hertford, NC, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in ECU Health Chowan Hospital, Edenton.

   Mr. Long was born in Pasquotank County on May 11, 1949, and was the son of the late Josephus “Joe” Long and Mary Frances Hollowell Long. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wilson Hollowell Long.

   Retired from Harvey Point Defense Testing in Hertford, he was a firefighter for many years having started his career at Elizabeth City Fire Station No. 1 in 1971. Later he joined Winfall Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1985 and then served as Perquimans County Fire Marshall from 1991 to 2008. Other community involvement and service included membership in Perquimans Masonic Lodge #106 where he had served as past master in 1987, was a former member of Parksville Ruritan Club, and enjoyed fellowship in Bagley Swamp Wesleyan Church where he had attended for many years. Among his many enjoyments included his love of country music, and he was proud to have once worked as a disc jockey at radio station WKJX Kix 96. He had a passion for antique Ford cars having founded Long’s Antique Auto, and frequently toured with his 1925 Model T and 1931 Model A. A member of Cape Henry Model A. Ford Club, he had also served as president of the Albemarle Area Model T Ford Club International. He will be remembered for his willingness to always help others and his love of conversation with all. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and by each life he touched in the community he served. 

   Surviving is his wife of 47 years, Belinda Hurdle Long; a son, Wayne Long of Elizabeth City; two daughters, Karen Long of Elizabeth City and Holly Suddeth (Rob) of Chesapeake, VA; six grandchildren, Mariah Long Riddick of Franklin, VA, Brooke Wheeler of Raleigh, Blair Wheeler of Elizabeth City, Logan, Rose and Opal Suddeth of Chesapeake, VA; and other extended family members and friends.

   Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Chapel, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, and will be conducted by the Rev. James Spaugh. A private burial will follow in Highland Park Cemetery, Elizabeth City. Friends may visit with the family Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home, or in the funeral home immediately following the chapel service on Saturday, and all other times at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to Bagley Swamp Church, 402 Bagley Swamp Road, Hertford, NC 27944, or to Gideons International, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.