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Phil Long, 63, of Bainbridge, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023. 

The graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Black Jack Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Chris Humphries officiating. Turner Brock, Macky Brock, Roger Harrell, Andy Bell, Donald Barber, Glenn Heard, Ronnie Lee Porter, Mike Williams, and Joe Anderson will serve as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Brock, Frank Posey, Dewey Brock, Mike Harrell, Shannon French, Wiley Griffin, Billy Poppell, Van Smith, David Donalson, Rusty Davis, Warren O’Quinn, Max Bryant, Stuart Griffin, and members of Bainbridge City Council. 

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dalton Harrell Memorial Scholarship, C/O Bainbridge High School, 1 Bearcat Boulevard, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

Phillip N. Long was born July 12, 1959, in Bainbridge, GA, the son of Ben & Joan Griffin Long. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1977, and earned an associate degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1982. Phil married Diane Hall in 1990, and they made their home in Bainbridge. Phil was elected to serve on Bainbridge City Council in 2013 and was a strong advocate for the citizens of Bainbridge and Decatur County. He was a member of West Bainbridge Baptist Church. 

Phil was the epitome of “Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat”. He loved Bearcat sports and spent years announcing football and baseball games from the press box and the air waves. Phil was the #1 fan of student athletes and the livestock show team. He was quick to praise efforts and encourage young people to be better tomorrow than they were today. The Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves were teams Phil followed closely. Outdoor activities like golfing, hunting, and fishing were always on tap when the work of the day was done. Phil was the gentle giant who “walked softly and carried a big stick”.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Diane Hall Long; his children, Jason & Ashton and Griffin & Darley; and his brother, W. Steve Long and his wife, Amy. Phil was preceded in death by his parents.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)