MIKE LONG's Obituary
KATHLEEN –
Michael Joseph “Mike” Long, 79, passed away peacefully just after midnight on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after an extended illness. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins with Pastor Josh Ray officiating. Immediately following the service, the family will visit with friends at a Celebration of Life reception at Houston Lake Country Club. Flowers will be gratefully accepted, or memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mike to Georgia Southern Foundation, Inc., the university’s primary nonprofit organization, 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458. In honor of Mike's lifelong love for Georgia Southern, everyone is encouraged to wear Georgia Southern colors and/or GSU logo clothing to the service.
Mike was born in Toledo, Ohio, and lived most of his life in Houston County, Georgia. He was a graduate of Warner Robins High School in 1964 who went on to receive an athletic scholarship and played baseball at Georgia Southern College. There he continued to excel in the game of baseball and accepted the foundations in the game of “life” that were laid out before him. The friendships formed between him and his fellow Kappa Alpha Order fraternity brothers became a lifelong bond like no other. As a member of that inaugural group of initiated brothers, Mike’s natural leadership abilities led him to be chosen as the First KA President at Georgia Southern. During his time in college, Mike met the love of his life, Alicia Guest, and the couple married soon after his graduation in 1968. Mike attended Mercer University and received his Juris Doctorate from the Walter F. George School of Law. He began his career as an attorney with a local law firm, where he continued until the early 1980’s when he joined as a partner with fellow attorneys in private practice. He served as the Attorney for Houston County for 36 years. He was well-respected among government entities and served on the Judicial Nominating Commissions under Governor Sonny Perdue and for Senator David Perdue.
Mike’s love for Georgia Southern led to his passionate involvement and die-hard support of the University. He was proud to be a member of the committee that successfully brought Erk Russell and the game of football back to the school’s campus in 1981. He later served as Georgia Southern’s Football Booster Club President and Chairman of the Georgia Southern Foundation. As an older alumnus, he spent time as the Kappa Alpha Order Province Commander. As was evident, Mike advocated for improvement in his community. He was pleased to be on the committee that earned the final vote for the Southeastern Little League Headquarters to be located in Houston County. Involved in various philanthropic, athletic, educational, and professional organizations, Mike was often honorably chosen as the leader, chairman, or president during his service. He always took each and every position held with seriousness and sincerity for the utmost devotion to his constituents.
Throughout Mike’s life, he always made time to spend with his family. Attending sporting events, school functions, church events, and community gatherings with his family were of utmost importance to him. No matter how busy life became, Mike’s greatest joy was being surrounded by the people he loved most. He treasured every moment with his children, and nothing brought him more pride than becoming “Pop” to his grandchildren. He delighted in their accomplishments, celebrated their milestones, and found immense happiness in watching them grow.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Edna (Posey) “E.P.” Long; and his beloved sister, Diane Long Rhodes.
Left to cherish the memories they made with Mike are his loving and devoted wife of nearly 58 years, Alicia Guest Long of Kathleen; his daughters and sons-in-law, Kristi and Johathan Reed of Cartersville, Annalyce and Butch Flynt of Suwanee; his bonus children, Bradley Rhodes (Holly) of Perry and Allyson Herrmann (Joseph) of Forsyth; his grandchildren, Amber Green (Trenton), Bryce Flynt, Abby Grace Flynt, Charlee Ray Rhodes, Morgan Rhodes, Anderson Rhodes, Levi Herrmann, Nolan Herrmann, and Wesley Herrmann; his brothers, Pete Long (Rosemary) of Longwood, Colorado, and Tim Long (Sheri) of Suwanee.
The family would like to sincerely thank everyone at The Phoenix at Lake Joy, Helping Hands Caregivers, and Anthony Brown for their heartfelt kindness and gentle, loving care of Mike during his final days.
Honorary Pallbearers at the service will be Mike’s fellow Georgia Southern College baseball players, his Kappa Alpha Order fraternity brothers, and the Warner Robins High School Class of 1964.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at https://www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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