Edwin Algernon "Buster" Long, III, 81 years old, of Plymouth died Friday, January 6th, 2023, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Washington County, NC, he was the son of Edwin A. Long II and Mildred Robbins Long. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy Mobley and Robin Roberson; brother, Fred Powledge, and a grandson Edwin A. Long V "Buck".
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Doris Oliver Long; sons, Edwin A. Long IV "Buster Jr" and Ronnie G. Long; daughter, Kim A. Clay (Michael) all of Plymouth, NC; grandchildren Brandy Respass, Jessica Long (Derek), Kris Ambrose, Rusty Long, Jason and Justin Bennett, Dakota and Clarissa Bloodworth; great grandchildren Clayton and Bentley Respass, Kaleb Blanton, Layla and Emmaleigh Ambrose, and Maci Long; sister Rebecca L. Jethro of Canton, Georgia; special nephew Noah Roberson Jr. and many other loved nieces and nephews.
Buster grew up in Plymouth and at the age of 18 joined the United States Marine Corp. After serving 4 years with a honorable discharge, he joined the United States Army and retired after 16 years. He served 2 tours in the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded the purple heart along with multiple other medals for his outstanding heroism.
While serving in the military, he gave his life to the Lord and became an ordained minister and continued sharing his joy of the Lord with others in the service. He pastored at the Church of God in Elgin, South Carolina. After retiring from the military, he moved back home to Plymouth, North Carolina and pastored several churches including Columbia Church of God, Fort Barnwell Church of God, and started New Hope Church of God until he retired in April 2016.
After a brief time of working as a police officer with the Plymouth Police Department, he joined the Washington County Sheriffs Department. He also worked for the Washington County Water Department, at which time he started night classes at Martin Community College for plumbing and appliance repair. Earning this degree gave him the opportunity to retire after serving the county in which he started his own business, Longs Plumbing and Appliance Repair.
He continued with college courses earning his associated degree at East Coast Bible College and a bachelors degree at Lee University at the age of 60. He attended the Church of God Theological school where he was working towards a masters degree in Biblical Theology.
He was an active member of the Marine Corps League of Washington County and the VFW until his health began to decline.
He will be greatly missed by his family and others in the community. Many people only dream to meet their hero, but we were blessed enough to be raised by ours. We love you Buster, Daddy, and Papa. You may be gone, but will never be forgotten.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Plymouth Church of God with Pastors Jeff Person and James Yoder officiating. Family will receive friends from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service and other times at the residence. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.
