James Richard Long, Sr.

Richard, our beloved father, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones, and entered his Heavenly home with Jesus on Friday, May 17, 2024.

James was born on July 10, 1940 and at a young age, he moved to California with his parents, Bill and Ona Long.  At his high school graduation, he came back to Kingsport, TN as fast as possible.  Upon his return to his family and area he loved, he enlisted and served his country for two years in Alaska.  In his travel to Alaska, he was told there were as many women as there were trees where he was stationed.  He would tell anyone that he was lied too, there were no trees where he was stationed. His sense of humor and stubbornness was a continuous struggle for him to get and keep his stripes while serving the Army.

Richard, with the help from his grandfather Emory, was employed with the Kingsport Power Company, where he was a proud lineman with the nickname “Bones”. 

He was avid bowler at Bowl-Mor Lanes and traveled to compete in bowling tournaments. During his bowling career, he accomplished a perfect score of 300 and has a ring to prove it. He also enjoyed watching the Saints, UT, the Braves and Charles Stanley. His greatest enjoyment was picking at his family with his sense of humor. Richard was a member of Kingsport Community Church.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Smoky Mountain Home Health and the Kingsport Community Church members for their loving care of Richard.  

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ona Long; baby girl and grandson.

Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Pauline Edith Hall McReynolds Long; children, Sherry Long Messier (Marlin Short) Kingsport, Kathy Long Grimsley, James Richard “Rick” Long, Leeona “Lee” Long, Lisa McReynolds Lane (Orbin “Dog” Lane) Cookeville, Ralph Dale McReynolds (Wendy Greer McReynolds) Kingsport; grandchildren, Sarah Lane Kavanaugh, Mekaila McReynolds Hite, Megan McReynolds Thompson, Destany Long, Brooke Messier, Blake McReynolds, Casey Smith, Hannah Long, Brett Long, and Anastatia Templeman; great-grandchildren, Axel, Kash, Jaxon, and Houston.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 7pm on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Orbin “Dog” Lane officiating. 

Graveside service will take place at 11am on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at East Lawn Memorial Park.  Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Posts 3/265.

Pallbearers will be DJ Hite, Aaron Thompson, Andrew Greer, Ian Kavanaugh, Blake McReynolds, and Landan Frye.