Dennis Lee Long

Surrounded by his family in his home, Dennis Lee Long, 75, joined his Lord on Friday, February 7, 2020.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and upon his honorable discharge was a “B Troop” sergeant for the 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry, affectionately known as the “Ruthless Riders”.  He remained an active member of his local Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1073.  EVERY time anyone thanked him for his service, he responded “you are welcome, I would do it all over again if I could”.

Post military, Dennis worked locally in the upholstery industry until going to Mayfield Dairy Farms as a “milkman”.  He was responsible for bringing jobs and industry to Morristown and became the plant manager for the Tri-Cities, Abingdon, VA, and Morristown locations until his retirement in 2010 after 36 years of service.  

His hobbies included hiking, fishing, hunting, “porch sitting”, family feasts, and doing for others.  Having given the shirt off his back, the shoes on his feet, and the many Vietnam Veterans hats off his head, Dennis touched the life of everyone he met; and while he lives on in all those blessings, he is greatly missed and will forever be remembered.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis “Slim” and Pearl Long; sister-in-law Sharon Long; “grandson” Jason Repp; mother-in-law Thelma Ballinger; and father-in-law Johnny Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Long; “son” Sidney (Arin) Repp; “daughter” Missy (Jeff) Gulla; brothers David Long, Harvey (Betty) Long, and Stanley (Debbie) Long; sisters Sue (Shannon) Moore, Dora (Herschel) Baker, and Kathy (Tim) Carroll; “grandson” Sebastian (Bash); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Brenda (Mike) Cameron, Terry (Janice) Parker, Frank (Diane) Parker, and Chasity Ballinger; nieces Kim, Brittany, Shanna, Melinda, Becky, Janet, Sara, Johnnie, Jamie, and Morgan; nephews Tyler, Thomas, Jake, Donnie, Luke, Trey, Justin, CJ, Matthew, and John; and 22 great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 4-7 pm Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the east chapel of Allen Funeral Home.  The funeral service will follow at 7 pm, with Rev. Brian Rhodes and Dr. Larry Parrott officiating.  Interment will be 12 noon Wednesday in Hamblen Memory Gardens.

A very special thank you is given to Pleasant View Baptist Church, B. J. McCarter and Earl Reece for the love, support, and helping hands you were always happy to provide.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Dennis’ memory to the Friends of Panther Creek State Park, 2010 Panther Creek Rd., Morristown, TN 37814.

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