Homegoing celebration for Mr. J.D. Long of Tampa who passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012, will be held Saturday June 23rd, 2:00pm at Aikens Funeral Home Chapel, 2708 E. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd, with Rev. T.D. Leonard officiating. Deacon J.D. Long was born on May 2, 1926 to parents of Joe and Viola Hinson Long in Cottondale, Florida. He relocated to Tampa at a very young age where he met and married Helen Jones Long (deceased). It was a long-lasting love affair of over 50 years. Mr. Long was a devoted husband and father who demonstrated his love by exemplifying values of integrity, honesty, and kindness. His children loved and respected him. Above all, he was a wise and honorable man. He was a member of Grace Mary Missionary Baptist Church where he was an ordained deacon and a member of the Trustee Board. He served enthusiastically and was faithful in his duties until his health began to fail. He loved the Lord and worked tirelessly to serve Him as a good example of being a Christian. His love for reading the bible never wavered and he continued to draw strength from the Word of the Lord throughout his life. Mr. Long was employed by Seaboard Coastline Railroad in his early twenties and remained employed with the railroad until his retirement after 32 years of service. He was one of the First African Americans to be trained and certified as a machinist. Outside of work he loved to perform home projects such as painting, repairing, electrical and plumbing. He had an avid passion for his home improvement hobbies. This gave him a sense of satisfaction, contentment, accomplishment and joy. He will be remembered for his hearty laughter, genuine smile and kind spirit. Affectionately called "Jeff" or "Uncle Jeff" by many relatives, Mr. Long was extremely grateful for all of his extended family because they so enriched his life. Deacon J.D. Long passed away on Friday, June 1, 2012. He leaves fond memories to be cherished by his 4 children, Ethel Long Catlin, Sharon Long Anderson and husband Lester, Jeffrey Long and Karen Long; grandchildren, Janell Catlin, Michelle Catlin and Ashley Anderson; siblings, Viola White, Martha Peeples, Joe Long. Jr., Eddie Long; sister-in-law, Christine Speights and Ada Jones Johnson; brother-in-law, Fulton Jones and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he dearly loved. The memorial service will be held at Aikens Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, June 23rd at 2:00 pm. The family and friends are asked to meet at the chapel for the memorial service on Saturday.