Thomas "Bear" Gary Long

Thomas Gary Long, known to many as “Bear”, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Wilmington at the age of 74. Gary was a devoted Son, Brother, and Uncle who loved his family deeply. 

Born in 1950 to Thomas E. Long and Bessie Evans, Gary had a passion for all sports, in particular Duke University Basketball, New York Yankees Baseball and Slow Pitch Softball. He was his happiest when he was coaching or involved in some way with softball. Many came to know Gary through his love for softball having spent many years coaching men’s travel softball teams, such as Tomahawk Trucking or Bay Tree Lakes. During these years of coaching, Gary helped to bring back winning teams that held many accolades for their fierceness on the field and undefeated records. Whether the games would be out of state, at Peters Creek, or at Garland, many knew of “Bear” and his love for the game.  

Along with coaching, Gary spent many nights and weekends, behind the plate calling and umpiring games. In 2002, Gary was inducted into the SSAA Hall of Fame for his years of coaching, umpiring, and dedication to the sport of Slow Pitch Softball. As time passed, he was able to share his enthusiasm for softball with his nieces and nephews, who he was completely devoted to and cherished. If you ever held a conversation with Gary, it would involve stories of softball memories, current and past sports records, or updates on his family whom he loved dearly. 

Gary worked at Veeder Root in Elizabethtown, NC for the majority of his career where he made lifelong friends who became like family to him.  

Gary is survived by his sister Winnie Smith and husband, Jimmy Smith of Harrells, and brother Ricky Long and wife, Rhonda Long also of Harrells. He is leaving to cherish his memory two nieces, three nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Long, his mother, Bessie Evans, and Step-Father, Joe Evans. Gary will be missed, but his stories and memories will live on in our hearts forever.  

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Carter Funeral Home and,other times at the home of RIcky and Rhonda Long. Funeral Services will be held on October 21, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Riverside Baptist Church, and burial following in the church cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riverside Baptist Church Building Fund, 5057 NC Hwy 210 E, Harrells, NC 28444 or Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401.