Msg Joseph Gary Long

MSG Joseph Gary Long (US Army Retired), 84, passed away on January 13, 2024. Joseph was born on September 3, 1939 in Los Angeles, California, to the late Ralph Gale Long and Lois M. Philpot. Destined to become a great leader, Mr. Long enlisted in the US Army on January 29, 1976 serving with the utmost distinction and honor. He is a Vietnam veteran and retired after 21 years of dedicated service.

During his service MSG Long earned the following awards and decoration: Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Master Parachute Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal (7 Awards), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Iranian Jump Wings, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Jump Wings, Special Forces Tab, and Meritorius Service.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Irma Long of Fayetteville, NC; daughter Cindy Long of Los Gatos, CA; step sons Danny Pagan of Lexington, SC, Samuel Pagan (Heather) of Lexington, SC; and step daughter Reba Pagan of Fayetteville, NC; and daughter-in-law Debbie (Sonny) of Columbia, SC, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his twin brother Gale Long and step son Sonny Pagan.

The Family will receive friends Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM at LaFayette Funeral Home 6651 Raeford Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304. Funeral Services will follow at 11 AM with Julio Santana officiating.

Burial Services with Full Military Honors will follow on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 12:PM in Sandhills State Veteran's Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd, Fort Bragg, NC 28310.