Donald H. Long, 79 of Pinehurst, passed away on April 14, 2018 at home. 

Donald was born on January 13, 1939 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC to the late Ray H. Long Sr. and Loma Y. Long. His childhood years were spent in Fayetteville, NC. His family moved to Shippensburg, PA when he was a teenager. 

He was a 1957 graduate of Shippensburg Area Senior High School where he played varsity baseball. Donald had great love for the sport of baseball and spent many of his prime years on the diamond. In addition to varsity baseball, he played for the American Legion team and was scouted by the minor league team now known as the Frederick Keys. He was the owner of the “famous” Varsity Shoppe and was also a veteran of the United States Army. He had a hidden talent, which was acting, and he performed with the Chambersburg Community Theatre.

Donald later retired from State Farm after working for them as an insurance agent for over 30 years. During this time, he developed great passion for the game of golf. This eventually led him and “Debbie” to settle down in Pinehurst, NC where they were able to fulfill a dream of living on Course No. 6 of the prestigious Pinehurst Resort. Even after suffering from three strokes in one summer, Donald spoke of getting on the greens again for 9 holes. Everyone who knew him was captured by his presence and wonderful sense of humor. He was full of witty comments and jokes galore! His love for life and others, including animals, was palpable. Donald was affectionately known as “Rebel” to family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Deborah Baker Long; children Kenneth Long, Dr. Tricia Kelly (Stephen Flowers) and Delores Eden; sister Joan Kriner (Les) and brother Ray Long (Eyvonne); grandchildren Christopher Long, Patrick Long, Caitlin Binner, Aaron Binner and AC Kelly.

He is preceded in death by two children-Donny Ray Long and Robert Michael Long-and five siblings: Verna Lesher, Loma Lynch, Betty L. Burgard, Irene Norman and Bruce Emmett.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 24th at 2pm Boles Funeral Home 425 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC 28387.

A second memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 15th at 2pm The Local Gathering 611 Shippensburg Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257. The Reverend Joseph H. Thomas will be presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you kindly consider donating to one of the following:
Shippensburg Community Park and Recreational Authority 677 Orrstown Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257 or Animal Advocates of Moore County P.O. Box 3399, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care 150 Applecross Road Pinehurst, NC 28374.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Donald Harold Long, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.

Online condolences: BolesFuneralHome.com.

Mr. Long’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.

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