Paul Long

Sr.John Paul Long Sr., 81, of Hixson, a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, uncle and great-grandfather peacefully departed this life on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Knoxville, following a short illness.Born in Knoxville, he was the son of the late Bert Franklin and Pauline "Polly" Hurst Long. Paul was a graduate of Spring City High School. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran and served his country during the Korean Conflict. Paul was awarded the China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He retired from Bowaters woodland management division. Paul enjoyed the outdoors, growing wonderful green peppers, woodworking and the company of his cats.He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Ann McCuistion Long.Survivors include his brother, Ernest M. Long, of Nacogdoches, Texas; sons, John Paul Long Jr., of Knoxville and Franklin Mark Long and wife, Colleen, of York, S.C.; grandchildren, Jeremy Long and Melissa Long McDaniel and husband, Jeff; and great-grandchild, Mason "Turk" McDaniel. He will be sadly missed by close family members, Sharon Dailey, Carol Dowd, Billy Long, Robert Swafford and Barbara and Miles McCuistion along with his housecats, Fence Walker and Tomas Coon.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Everett Powers officiating.Interment with military honors will follow in Spring City Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of arrangements. www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.