Remembering Gary Long

Pastor Gary Wayne Long, 81, Springfield, Missouri, passed into eternal glory July 22, 2021, after complications of Coronavirus. Gary was born April 11, 1940 in Junction City, Kansas to Ralph and Ruby (Worley) Long. His family moved to California where he graduated from Lynnwood High School in 1958. After graduating, Gary attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO. While there, he met Susie Rea, who became his beloved wife. Gary, along with his very good friend, Jerry Parks, were instrumental in establishing Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, where he pastored for over 40 years. Before going into ministry full time, Gary worked 23 years at Dayco and five years at Paul Mueller, Inc. He served several years as president of the Christian County Museum. He was a past office holder with Sovereign Grace Baptist Fellowship. He voluntarily ministered at numerous places such as the Christian County Jail, Fordland Correctional Center, Victory Mission, Century Pines Nursing Home, and the Springfield Skilled Care Center. He was an avid lover of American history, visiting many Civil War battlefields. He was very talented at capturing the attention of both young and old with his story telling. He was also cofounder and president of Particular Baptist Press. Gary loved to preach the Word of God. His last sermon was preached July 4, 2021.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; one grandchild: Cordella Long; his brother: Robert Long; and two brothers in law: Carl Rea and Maurice Nichols. He is survived by his wife of 62 years: Susie Long two daughters: Rebekah Barrett and her husband Guy, and Deborah Long; three sons: David Long and his wife Chris, Stephen Long and his wife Angie, and Timothy Long and his wife Sarah; special daughter: Cindy Tayman; 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, many who remember their grandpa telling them stories in a Donald Duck voice. He also has one sister in Kansas: Norma Nichols, and three sisters in law: Marlyn Rea, Sharon Long, and Flossie Rea.