HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Edward Stickley Long Jr., a respected educator, Air Force veteran, and longtime community volunteer whose influence touched generations across Rockingham County, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his home. He was 91.
Born October 11, 1934, in Mt. Meridian, Long was the son of the late Edward Stickley Long Sr. and Bessie L. Seiger Long. He grew up in Augusta County and graduated from Weyers Cave High School, where he excelled in basketball and baseball before pursuing agriculture education at Virginia Tech.
A 1956 graduate of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Long rose to the rank of Battalion Commander and earned a degree in agricultural education. He later served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of captain and becoming certified on several aircraft, including the B‑25.
After completing his military service, Long earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Madison College. He went on to build a distinguished career in Rockingham County Public Schools, serving as an agriculture teacher, principal of Elkton High School, director and principal of Massanutten Technical Center, and director of vocational education for both Rockingham County and Harrisonburg.
Long played a pivotal role in the creation and early development of Massanutten Vocational Technical Center, helping shape career and technical education opportunities for thousands of students.
His service extended far beyond the classroom. A lifelong member of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren, Long served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and church moderator. He was also a dedicated member of the Cross Keys Ruritan Club.
Sports were another major thread in Long’s life. For three decades, he announced football games at Spotswood High School and worked as a clerk for track and field events at district, regional, and state levels. He also helped install the first lights at the Spotswood baseball field and ran a Saturday morning basketball clinic for Rockingham County Parks and Recreation.
His contributions to youth athletics and community recreation were recognized in recent years with two major honors: the indoor track at Rockingham Park in Penn Laird was named for him, and in 2025 the Rockingham Recreation Center at Rockingham Park at the Crossroads was also dedicated in his name.
Long and his wife, Mary, raised three sons — Tim, Chip, and Charles — and remained deeply involved in the community throughout their lives.
The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ed Long Jr. Family “Career and Technical Education Scholarship Fund” through the Rockingham Education Foundation, Inc., 100 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or to the Mill Creek Church of the Brethren Kitchen Fund, 7600 Port Republic Road, Port Republic, VA 24471.
