Johnny Sterling Long

 Johnny Sterling Long, 73, of 270 Little Island Road, died Saturday, December 28, 2024, in his home where he was being cared for by family.

 Johnny, affectionately known to his close friends and hunting buddies as "Tugboat", left a mark and made a new friend everywhere he went. He was always ready for a new adventure, whether on the road or the water. He grew up fishing and hunting with his Grandaddy Powell in the Sandbanks. From netting herring in the Chowan, collecting driftwood on the Alligator River to moose hunting in Maine, Johnny enjoyed every adventure. 

 Johnny was born in Hertford County on April 17, 1951, and was the son of the late Ralph Sterling “Trixie” and Nell Powell Long. Raised in Gates County, he knew every road and path like the back of his hand. Fishing and hunting were second nature to him. Teaching his boys to enjoy the outdoors gave him great pleasure. His soft spot for children led him to teach and spend time with kids in the neighborhood the joy of the outdoors. He never turned down taking a kid in the woods to hunt, on the river to fish, or to collect the driftwood his amazing creations were made from.

 Retired from International Paper, Franklin, VA. Johnny was a member of Gates County Hunt Club, White Oak Hunt Club, Gatesville Hunt Club, Archertown Bear Hunters Club, Gates County Hunters Safety Team, and International Paper Duck Club. Johnny loved the Lord and a was a member of Cool Spring Baptist Church.

 In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his son, Justin T. Long in 2016.

 Surviving is his wife of 35 years, Amy Vick-Long; three sons, Jody P. Long (Melanie) of Kill Devil Hills, Jason K. Long (Christie) and Adam S. Long (Brittany), both of Eure; two sisters, Katherine L. Morris (Rufus) of Ahoskie and Rose L. Hudgins (Wayne) of Kill Devil Hills; two brothers, Michael T. Long (Anne) and Steve L. Long (Joan), both of Eure; six grandchildren, Ryan, Cody, Liam, Berkley, Tyler, and Trent; as well as many extended members of both the Long and Powell families. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion, Avon, and his favorite cat, Miss Cleo.

 Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in Cool Spring Baptist Church and will be conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Brandon Davis, and family friend, the Rev. Wade Bennett. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Casual attire is acceptable, and camouflage is encouraged. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the social hall immediately following the service or all other times at the residence.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, or online at www.lls.org.

 Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.