Wayne Long

Wayne Long, 74, of Jonesboro, died Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Born in Dowdy, Wayne grew up in the Bay-Nettleton area and was a 1958 graduate of Bay High School. He has lived in Jonesboro most of his life and was an insurance agent for over 40 years. Wayne was a life member of the Arkansas Officials Association and was an active referee for 39 years. He officiated in two Arkansas High School All-Star games, one in basketball and one in football and was inducted into the AOA Hall of Fame in 2009.

Wayne was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where he served as usher and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents: G.W. and Gertha Lance Long, by a brother, Glendal Long, a sister, Janet Erby and a grandson Ryce Hundley Grisham.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Theresa Scott Long, married November 25, 1964; 2 daughters and sons-in-law: Amanda (Forrest) Grisham and Amber (James) Martin all of Jonesboro;
1 sister, JoAnn (Roger) Harmon of Jonesboro;
his mother-in-law: Dottie Humble of the home;
1 sister-in-law, Ruby Long of Jonesboro,
1 brother-in-law, Clarence Erby of Rockton, Illinois; and
3 granddaughters: Hadley Rose Grisham, Hundley-Rae Grisham and Addyson Elizabeth Martin.

Graveside funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in Jonesboro Memorial Park with Father Mike Sinkler officiating.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

The Long family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to St. Bernards Medical Center for the exceptional care given to Wayne during his stay. For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1614 S. Church St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.