Obituary of Wayne A. Long, 69

Wayne A. Long, 69, of Millheim, departed from this life on March 2, 2010 at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Wayne, son of the late Charles M. and Sarah Anna Williams Long, was born on May 25, 1940 in Walker Township. On April 7, 1958, Wayne married Jeannie E. Elliott. Mrs. Long survives at their home in Millheim.

He was a 1958 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School. Wayne and Jeannie moved to Millheim in 1967 and opened an auto store called "Long's auto parts". Later he opened Clark Auto Equipment in State College. Eventually, Wayne bought the Square Deal Garage building and moved Long's auto parts there. He retired 22 years ago and built a house on the hill behind the store.

Wayne had a quick wit and was a respected businessman in the area. He always loved Penns Valley and the special people he met there and all the friends that he made. As the owner of Long's auto parts, Wayne enjoyed sponsoring sports teams in the valley. He was an avid poker player and was good at it. He was also an avid Yankee fan and loved everything about the team since he had been 13 years of age.

Wayne was a member of the Jaffa Shrine and the Williamsport Consistory where he was a 33rd degree Free Mason. He was a lifetime member of the Millheim Fire Co., a former member of the Millheim Lions Club and past secretary-treasurer of the Millheim Cable Co. when it first started. He was on the board of directors of the First National Bank of Centre Hall. After they merged with Northwest Savings Bank, he continued as an advisor up to the time of his death.

In addition to his wife, Wayne is survived by two daughters, Lynnann Long (Dennis) Gates and Amy Long (Mike) Walker, both of Millheim; four grandchildren, Reana L. (Keith) Donaldson, Trevor W. (Marilyn) Meyer, Seth Gates and fiancee, Brittani Waltz, and Tenille M.L. Meyer and fiance, Adam Jordan; and by two great grandchildren, Haven Gates and Rustin Donaldson. Also surviving are two brothers, Louis (Betty Kaye) Long, of Hanover and Jay (Carol) Long, of Centre Hall. Wayne was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ann and brothers, Bruce, Ray and Charles Long.

A memorial service will be held at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Millheim on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Leroy Reitz officiating.

Memorial contributions in Wayne's memory may be given to the American Heart Association , 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or to the American Diabetes Association , PO Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720. Arrangements by The Steven R. Neff Funeral Home.