Raymond “Ray” Carl Long, 86, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his home in the Putnam community of northern Moore County, North Carolina. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, scientist, and educator, Ray leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to both his family and his field.
Born in Shattuck, Oklahoma, Ray was raised on a farm near Arnold, Kansas, where he developed a lifelong love for agriculture and research. He graduated from Ness City High School in 1957 as an honor student and active member of the Future Farmers of America. Ray went on to earn his B.S. and M.S. in Agronomy from Kansas State University, where he married the love of his life, Marie, in 1959. He completed his PhD in Plant Physiology at the University of Illinois in 1966.
That same year, Ray joined the faculty at North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, in Raleigh. Over the course of four decades, he became a cornerstone of the university’s tobacco research program, mentoring graduate students from around the world and contributing to groundbreaking studies in tobacco chemistry, plant physiology, and biotechnology. His work helped shape the future of tobacco science.
Ray’s research was not only academic-it was deeply practical. He was known for his hands-on approach at the Oxford, Reidsville, and Whiteville tobacco research stations, as well as advocating the potential of tobacco in the production of biotechnology products. His contributions included publications, patents, global presentations and innovations that reflected his perfectionism, patience, and engineering-mindset. A close colleague recently told Ray’s family: “He was a true visionary in our industry.”
After retiring from NCSU, Ray settled down with Marie on their small farm in Moore County, where he learned to raise goats and a small herd of Belted Galloway cattle. Ray found joy in woodworking, carpentry, and tending to his animals, along with his loyal Great Pyrenees, Cody. He was a professor, a handyman, a chemist, an inventor, and above all, a loving family man.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie, his parents, Vera and Carl Long, and his brother, Hal. He is survived by his children: Debbie Long of Moore County; Toni Maisonhaute (Patrick) and Angela Long of Banner Elk, NC; and Roger Long (Alise) of Heythuysen, Netherlands. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren, Calista and Bodewyn.
Ray Long will be remembered not only for his scientific achievements, but for his humility, warmth, and the enduring impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him.
The family will be privately celebrating Ray’s life at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marie and Raymond C. Long Student Scholarship Endowment at Kansas State University Foundation, supporting future generations of students in the arts and sciences. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502 (please indicate fund M47505) or made at: ksufoundation.org/give/memorials by selecting Raymond Carl Long Memorial Fund in the Designation field.
