Stephen Long Obituary

Stephen Mullen Long, 68, of Quicksburg passed away peacefully November 27, 2020 at his home after a 14-year battle with prostate cancer.

He was born August 13, 1952 in Harrisonburg and was the son of the late C.W. "Jim" Long and Frances Mullen Long who survives.

A lifelong Shenandoah Valley resident, and well known throughout the area, Stephen spent the majority of his life on the expansive family poultry operation Franwood Farms just north of New Market.

Upon returning from Lees-McRae College he assumed a leadership role and was an intricate part in the Long Foods family of businesses, later moving on to Holly Farms as a quality control manager, and then in the late 70ás starting Virginia Dehydrating located in Harrisonburg at the time.

In 1981 he returned home to assume the role of part owner and farm manager of Franwood Farms ushering the next generation of leadership to the family business started by his father almost 40 years prior. He worked tirelessly to continue the success of the business during the many changes the industry went through in the following years becoming one of the best known and respected poultry farmers in the Shenandoah Valley.

In early 2004 Pilgrim's Pride announced that they were vacating the local turkey industry and closing down the Hinton processing plant. Knowing the implications that would cause to the poultry community and the families dependent on it, Stephen left his duties as farm manager and joined Sonny Meyerhoffer to pursue the acquisition of the plant. Using his experience in the industry and business contacts they worked diligently through many obstacles to secure the funds necessary to purchase the plant and on November 29th, 2004 Virginia Poultry Growers Co-Op was opened. Stephen even stayed on as Vice-President in the infant stages of the Co-Op to oversee that a secure foundation was established that would insure a promising future. For Stephen it was a special accomplishment in an already successful career. He was able to fulfill an unwavering idea that farmers should have ownership in the processing of the birds they raised and not be subject to the terms of large corporate entities.

Stephen really enjoyed his life's work. Even in retirement it was always a common sight to see him on the farm, checking the turkeys, talking to employees at the shop, and feeding the livestock. On Sundays he could be found relaxing at home with his dogs, and watching a NASCAR race with which he was an avid fan. In the summer, he would often be seen cruising the roads in the area to see how the valley corn crops were growing, and taking in a quick chat with friends. In the fall he enjoyed being outdoors and hunting. Above all he loved his wife, children, and especially the grandchildren, each so different in age and personality, but they always brought a sparkle to his eye whenever they were around. He will be missed by many family, friends, and associates in the community.

On December 1, 1984 he married his loving wife, the former Sadonna McPherson who survives.

Also surviving in addition to his mother and wife are sons, Stephen M. Long Jr. and wife Megan of New Market, Jeremy Orebaugh and fiance Isabelly Nascimento of New Market, Charles Long and wife Anna of Middlebrook, Andrew Long and wife Katie of McGaheysville; grandchildren, Isabel, Elizabeth, Atticus, Oakley, Abraham, Declan, Abigail, and Otto, and a new addition coming in April. Brothers, Allan Long and wife Nancy of New Market, Larry Long and wife Carolyn of New Market; sister in law, Sandy Long of New Market.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brother, C.W. "Billy" Long Jr.

The family will be accepting guests Saturday December 5 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church located at 9283 North Congress St. New Market, VA. The family asks that you please be conscious of the COVID-19 protocol during this event. A private burial on Saturday, December 12, after a private family burial, there will be a public ceremony at the church at 2 p.m. The family encourages friends and the community to attend.

Gifts in memory of Stephen Long may be directed to support prostate research conducted by Dr. Channing Paller at John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Online at sibleyfoundation.org or send checks payable to the Sibley Foundation (with a memo indicating in memory of Stephen Long in support of Dr. Paller) to:
The Sibley Foundation
5255 Loughboro Rd NW
Washington DC 20016.

Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.GrandleFuneralHome.com.