Mr. Rabon Ray Long, age 76, of North Wilkesboro passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Mount Zion Baptist Church (Luray Road) with Pastor Kent Wood and Pastor Dale Baugus officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 PM prior to the service at the church.

Ray was born on January 5,1950, in Cabarrus County to Elmer Benson and Dorothy Moser Long. Mr. Long was a graduate of Carolina Bible College. He was pastor of Heavenbound Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro and Sweet Home Baptist Church in Albemarle. Mr. Long was an active participant in the Wilkes County Prison Ministry at the Wilkes County Correctional Center.

He was a Godly man, faithful preacher, and loved the Lord with all his heart. He spent his life sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others. He dearly loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, nothing brought him more joy than to be a Daddy and Paw-Paw. He loved the outdoors, golfing, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed helping others and was a life-long learner. He was strong, kind, hardworking, and had the sweetest smile.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Ramona Whiting, and a brother, Charles Long.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gail Baugus Long of the home; daughters, Missy Cheek (Joseph) of Murrells Inlet, SC, Donna Ball (Dan) of Spring Lake, MI; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Brush (Ryan), Makayla Garland (Noah), Taylor Ball, Noah Ball, Eli Ball, Izabel Ball; great-grandchildren, Lucy Brush, Juliet Brush, a great-grandchild baby Garland due in November; sister, Becky Draughn of Ronda; brother, Roland “Shorty” Long (Betty Jo) of Sparta; sister-in-law, Marie Long; brother-in-law, Dale Baugus (Mickie) of Sparta; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Mount Zion Baptist Church, 353 Luray Rd., North Wilkesboro NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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