Dr. Jerry J. Long

Dr. Jerry Jones Long of Gallman, died peacefully on Monday, April 11, 2011, at Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital in Hazlehurst, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born in Gallman on September 23, 1934, Dr. Long was the son of William Alexander and Mary Lynn Jones Long, who preceded him in death.  He was a graduate of Hazlehurst High School and continued his education at Millsaps College and Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.  In 1958, Dr. Long graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, followed by a tour of duty in the US Navy, serving as a Dentist.  Returning to school after practicing General Dentistry in Jackson for six years, he received the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry Orthodontics from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1968.  Dr. Long practiced orthodontics in Jackson prior to moving his office to Hazlehurst in 2002.  His retirement in July 2010 followed fifty-two years of service to his beloved patients.
 
On April 7, 1979, Dr. Jerry Long married Joyce Elizabeth Jenkins of Meridian, at First Presbyterian Church, Jackson,  where they had first met.  They resided in Jackson before moving in 1986 to the family home in Gallman.  Their son, William Thomas Long, was born on December 8, 1980.
 
Dr. Long was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Hazlehurst, serving as an Elder.  Active in his church as well as a number of professional and community organizations throughout his career, he served terms as president of the UT School of Dentistry Alumni Association and the Copiah Academy Board of Directors.  A true sportsman, Dr. Long respected and cherished God’s beautiful world.  He was a loving husband, father, family member and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Jenkins Long, Gallman; son, William Thomas Long, Gallman; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Bill and June Long, Gallman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Copiah Educational Foundation (c/o Copiah Academy, P. O. Box 125, Gallman, MS 39077), French Camp Academy/Chamberlain-Hunt Academy (French Camp, MS 39745), or The Gideons International.