Verlan "Sonny" Long

Verlan "Sonny" Long, 84, passed away Dec. 3 peacefully at his home. He attended Central Baptist Church in Alcoa where he faithfully served as a deacon and teacher. All who knew Sonny understood his love for the Lord, his family and friends, coaching Blount County youths, Atlanta Braves baseball, and telling jokes. He was inducted into the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. He is preceded in death by parents Tom and Mary Long, sister and brother-in-law Gaynelle and George Ross, and daughter Pam Carter. Sonny is survived by his wife Wilma Householder Long, sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Jack Porter of Conyers, GA, brother-in law and sister-in-law Billy and Libby Householder, son-in-law David Carter of Alcoa, daughter and son-in-law Patty and Tom Stinnett of Friendsville, and son and daughter-in-law Andy and Patricia Long of Knoxville. Grandchildren Joshua Carter, Candace Hunt (Matthew), Alyson Flynn (Zach), Taylor Stinnett, Reagan Mead (Zach), and Drew Ann Long. Great-grandchildren Audrey Hunt, Jack Hunt, Lily Flynn, Elizabeth Flynn, and several nieces and nephews. Donations may be made in memory of Sonny to Central Baptist Church of Alcoa, TN. Family and close friends will gather December 12th for the burial at 1:30 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery with the Celebration of Life following at 2:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church of Alcoa. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall from 3:00 to 4:00. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Verlan "Sonny" Long please visit our Sympathy Store.