Thomas Larry Long, 73, went home to be with the Lord on December, 9, 2019.
Larry passionately loved playing guitar his whole life, and sharing his passion by teaching others to play. Over the years he formed many local bands in which he played, sang, and formed multiple friendships. For over 50 years he has played several types of southern Gospel music, and contemporary Christian music. He enjoyed fishing, and hunting. Larry loved to drag race; and he and his racing partner won the 1969 Winter Nationals in Pomona, California! He rode motorcycle's most of his life but was fond of riding his Harley on summer nights, even in the rain.
After graduating Ellet High School, he was happy to work for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber company for 32 years, and was proud to have built two sets of winning race tires for the Indy Racing during his career. For those who knew him best he had the best sense of humor, and he was an excellent story teller!
Larry was saved when he was 9 years old at the Akron Baptist Temple with his mother at his side. As an adult, he taught Sunday school, drove church buses, and helped lead the nursing home ministry. Larry recently played lead guitar, and bass for the City Church A/C Worship Band.
In 2005, Larry became a proud Pappaw, and treasured every moment that he spent with his grandson, Christopher Decker. Larry led Christopher to the Lord, and had the privilege of Baptizing him the same day.
Other than his parents, Jennings Lee and Nellie Etra (nee Short) Long, Larry was preceded in death by older brother; James H. Long.
Larry will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 24 years, Lorenda "Ren" Long; (step) son, Steven (Angie) Decker; grandson, Christopher Decker; father and mother-in-law, Bob and Millie Carroll; sister-in-laws Donna, Dora, Tonya (Mike), Lynn (Tim), Laurie (Chuck). And, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association at American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829 Arlington, VA 22215 or the National Kidney Foundation serving Ohio to P.O. Box 40544 Bay Village, OH 44140