William "Howard" Long

William "Howard" Long, age 74, of Epworth, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at his home. Mr. Long was born July 19, 1946, in Ellijay, GA, to the late William Lafayette Long and the late Eva Davenport Long. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Epworth. Howard was preceded in death by his brother, Randall Martin Long, son-in-law, Tim Walden, and father-in-law, Edward Tranthem.

Howard was a great man of faith. He loved the Lord, studying his Bible, and he touched many lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. He loved his family and was a proud veteran. He served in Korea before finishing his service with the US Army. He worked as a mine machinist at the Tennessee Chemical Company for 19 years. He retired from Fannin County Board of Education (Transportation/Maintenance) after 22 years. He also owned and operated Long’s Tree Service for over 10 years. Howard believed in hard work!

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Brenda Tranthem Long, daughters, Anita Massengale, Rebekah Walden, and Sara (John) Johnson, sons, Anthony Pack and Tim (Jennifer) Long, sisters, Ernestine Smith, Edith (Steve) Stewart, and Marsha Long, brothers, Richard (Martha) Long and Ronnie Long, grandchildren, Emily Johnson, Ella Johnson, Dawson Long , Aaron Walden, Grace Walden, Taylor Pack, Drew Pack, Stephanie Massengale, Nathaniel Massengale, and Hannah Massengale, great-grandchild, Lacey McClure, and mother-in-law, Helen Tranthem.
Funeral services: Friday, July 16, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the Epworth First Baptist Church with Rev. Rubin Smith and Rev. Chris Clark officiating. Music provided by: Vernon Owenby and Doug Simonds. Interment will follow in the First Baptist Church of Epworth Cemetery with military honors by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Pallbearers: Aaron Walden, Dawson Long, William McClure, Tommy Hamby, Scott Mathis, and Jason Hedden. Honorary pallbearers: Deacons of First Baptist Church of Epworth.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, Thursday, July 15, 2021, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bible Broadcasting Network, 11530 Carmel Commons Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28226

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA., you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.