John Wheat Long, Sr.

November 11, 2015

John Wheat Long, Sr., 72, departed this life on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at his home after a long and valiant fight against multiple illnesses, including cancer.

Even after receiving his diagnoses, he continued to live life to the fullest. He did not let his illness define his last five years, as he continued to travel and enjoyed each day with a positive and determined attitude. He is now at peace and fully restored.

John Wheat was born on August 24, 1943 in Bainbridge, Ga., to French and Irene Long. The fourth child in his family, John grew up surrounded by love in a more innocent time.

After graduating from UGA, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, he lived briefly in Orlando, Fla. John then headed west to Montana where his hobbies included hunting, wood-working, golfing, camping, and skiing. He began his life-long career in the insurance industry with Metropolitan Life and worked for State Farm Insurance for over four decades.

He lived in Brunswick, Ga., with his family for many years and served as a mentor to a host of State Farm agents. John Wheat moved to Greenville, SC, in 1988 to work as an Agency Director with State Farm before coming full circle and becoming an agent yet again in Port Orange, Fla. Having received many honors and awards in his industry, John retired contentedly and enjoyed quiet days cooking, gardening, antique collecting, fishing, working in his garage tool shop, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs at his home on the banks of the St. Johns River.

John had many friends from all walks of life that he made through his work and expansive travel. A world traveler and loyal friend, John enjoyed taking his family on adventurous trips across the country and abroad. He was also an avid collector and knowledgeable historian on his family lineage, the Civil War, coins, antique golf memorabilia, fishing accessories, cigars, Vaseline glass, plus a host of other things.

John was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Pilar Long; sons Victor Long and his wife, Whitney, and John Long; daughter Marcie Long Singletary and her husband, Mac; his grandsons and granddaughter; sisters, Mary Ruth (Long) Harris, Beth (Long) Starnes; brothers David Long and Tommy Long and several special cousins and life-long friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. at Black Jack Baptist Church in Bainbridge on Friday, November 13, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast.

Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.