Lucious "Luke" Long, Sr.

Obituary: Kannapolis, NC- Lucious (Luke) Kimbrough Long, Sr., age 95, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at CMC-NorthEast, Concord, NC. Luke was born on October 16, 1918 in Mocksville, NC to the late William Kimbrough Long and Dora McClamroch Long. He was a graduate of J.W. Cannon High School that was in Kannapolis. Luke proudly served his country during World War II as part of the U.S. Army Air Force. During his time of service, he was a flight instructor as well as a flyer. Luke received the American Theater Ribbon, WWII Victory Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal during his time of service. On June 27, 1946 Luke retired from the Army with an Honorable Discharge. Upon retirement he received a letter from President Harry Truman thanking him for his service. Luke served in the Civil Air Patrol stationed out of Manteo, NC. Luke retired from Cannon Mills where he was a Foreman in Plant 10. Luke also served as a Volunteer Fireman for Kannapolis. One of Luke's favorite pastimes was raising and racing homing pigeons. Luke was a member of the TLC Pigeon Club of Kannapolis where he won many trophies for his efforts. Luke loved his family. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family especially his beloved wife, Sammie, of 73 years. Luke enjoyed his time with his three children, five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Luke was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Kannapolis, NC where he participated in the W.J. Bullock Sunday School Class. In addition his parents, Luke was preceded in death by his daughter, Jo Long Thompson and a grandson, Brad Thompson; his brothers, Ray and Howard; and a sister, Gladys. He is survived by his wife, Sammie McCoy Long of Kannapolis, NC; son Kim (Kim) Long, grandsons, Matthew and Joseph of Harrisburg, NC; son Sam Long, grandson Bryan of Durham, NC; granddaughter Laura (Eric) Glader; great-grandson Nils; and great-granddaughter, Grace of Menlo Park, CA. A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, February 3, 2014 at Oakwood Cemetery, Concord, NC officiated by Dr. Harold Bales. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M. Monday at Whitley's Funeral Home, Kannapolis, NC. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 416 E. First Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com who is serving the family.
Visitation: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Monday February 3, 2014 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: Graveside Service 4:00 PM Monday February 3, 2014 Oakwood Cemetery Concord NC

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery Concord NC