John Carlton Long

September 21, 1944 ~ January 26, 2025
Born in:
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Resided in:
LaGrange, Georgia
John Carlton Long, age 80, of Lagrange, GA passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at WellStar Hospice of Lagrange. John was born in Waynesburg, PA on September 21, 1944 and was the son of the late Willis DeWitt Long and Margaret Byrd Long. At an early age John developed a fascination with and love for radio. His first broadcast as a disc jockey was at WTRP in Lagrange, where he became locally popular because he brought the music of the Beatles and other popular groups to the youth of Lagrange in the 1960’s. His career in radio led him to the positions of both program director and general manager at major market radio stations in the United States. His proudest achievement was co-founding the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame along with Sam Hale, Harley Drew, Paul Evatt, Larry James, Mike Kavanagh, and John Young in 2007 to honor Georgia radio personalities and to preserve the history of Georgia radio. He also established the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame Museum which showcases radio memorabilia and is found in Columbus, GA at the Columbus Collective Museums. John was preceded in death by three sons: infant Jay Pitts Long, toddler Matthew Bryan Long, and Brian Nicholas Simpkins, age 19. Survivors include his wife of almost 32 years, Patti Evatt Long, of Lagrange, GA; daughter and son-in-law Meridith and Nathan Scherer, of Titusville, FL, daughter Amber Richey of Marietta, GA, and son Sean Long of Moline, IL; granddaughters Marlo Byrd Scherer of Titusville, FL and Alison Ann Queen of Marietta, GA; grandsons, Micah Richey of Marietta, GA and Matthew Richey of Cypress, TX; great-granddaughter Lilly Ann Landa of Marietta, GA; mother-in-law Rebecca Evatt of Marietta, GA; and sister and brother-in-law Eleanor and Douglas Long of Rydal, GA. A memorial service is scheduled at 2:00 on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Lagrange, GA. Pastor James Goodlet will officiate. A reception will follow after the service in Fellowship Hall.
Sending my condolences to the family.
So many memories of aJohnny at Unity Baptist Church!! RIP!! Prayers for the family!!🙏🙏
I’m saddened by the passing of my long time friend John Long. I was fortunate to work with him at WAPE Jacksonville where we created great radio. There’ will always be a place in my heart for him. May his memory be a blessing.
John Long is and will always be my friend! He was simply the BEST and my mentor in broadcasting. He taught me everything I know about the profession like no oither. After I departed WHBQ.in 1979, we stayed in touch right up until about two years ago. I will ALWAYS be in debited to him for what he taught me. I love you John and will see you again at the rapture! My thoughts and prayers are with your family (and friends) who miss you. Rest easy my friend in the love of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.
Such a gentleman and a hero of radio broadcasting. Rest in peace and static-free.