On December 1, 2018, at 8:20 PM, Mr. Joseph Earl Long, age 93, left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father in Heaven and his family and friends that have went before him. The last days of his life he said he just wanted to see his brother Woodie with whom he worked with side by side for 60+ years as carpenters building several homes and structures. Earl loved his church, Faith Gospel at Gallipolis Ferry, WV which he attended faithfully for 40+ years and loved singing with different groups composed of Earl and his friends. As his health got worse he was unable to attend his beloved church. Earl also served in the military and discharged with an honorable discharge.

Preceding him in death as follows: mother and father, Isaac and Dimple (Neal) Long; wife, Sally (Glen) Long; sisters, Carolyn (Long) Taylor, Bonnie (Long) Harper; brothers, Eddie and wife Verba (Frazier) Long, Woodie Long, and brother-in-law Estille Meaige.

Surviving are daughter, Lana Long) Rayburn and Sammy; grandson, Scott, Kim (Betz) Rayburn; great-granddaughters, Elizabeth Rayburn and Makenna Rayburn; great great-grandchildren, Hailey and Jeremiah; sisters, Mary (Long) Meige and Shirley (Long) Sergent and Donnie; sister-in-law, Virginia (Pyles) Long; nieces and nephews, Kenny Long, Sharon Long, Connie (Long) Randy Meige, Teresa (Meige) Lucas, Troy Meaige, and Donnie Sergent Jr.

Earl was a special man and person admired and loved by all his friends and family and inspired many people. When Earl was well he visited many nursing homes and cheered up as many as he could. He also witnessed to them and led many to commit there heart and soul to the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

The family would like to thank the doctors at Pleasant Valley Hospital for their kindness and professionalism that they gave to Earl. We would also like to thank the staff at Pleasant Valley Nursing Home for the kindness and attention they gave Earl while being there, and the doctors who were involved. We would like to thank you all for your heartfelt compassion you felt for Shirley! A special thanks to Betty Jo Jones. Thank you Mr. Charles McCartney and Mr. Paul Martin for visiting Earl during his sickness. It will not be forgotten.

At Earl's request, there will be a private family service at Deal Funeral Home in Point Pleasant, WV, Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at 1 PM, with Rev. Roger Bonecutter officiating. Burial will follow in Concord Cemetery in Henderson, WV. Deal Funeral Home in Point Pleasant is serving the family. Please visit dealfh.com to send condolences to the family.