Terry C. Long

Obituary for Terry C. Long
We are heartbroken to announce that Terry Long of Blacksburg passed away suddenly on March 24 at Lewis Gale Hospital. After a 45 year career at USDA, he returned to his childhood home in Longshop in 2024.

Terry had a very active career at USDA. From his early years as a relief market reporter to his positions in Georgia, Los Angeles and finally as the Director of Market News for Specialty Crops in Washington, DC, Terry brought both purpose and humor to all he achieved. He was well loved by his colleagues and brought an innovative spirit to the industry. Selected to travel as an emissary to Russia numerous times at the end of the Cold War, Terry received honors for his work there. In the early 2000s, Terry helped bring 33 member countries in the Western Hemisphere together to create a cooperative network known as MIOA. He chaired that program for 22 years until his retirement.

Terry was born to Emmet and Verna Long, both of whom predeceased him. His brothers, Mike and Jay, also predeceased him. Although Terry travelled extensively and worked throughout the world, his heart remained on the hill in Longshop where he grew up, and he never tired of telling stories about his loving parents and brothers, catching rabbits, jumping off barn roofs and being chased by Betsy the cow. He returned there upon his retirement, spending time with his dearest friends, Chris Warner and Tom Brandt, volunteering at the local food pantry, and writing his collection of stories, “Lessons From a Country Boy”.

Terry is survived by his girlfriend, Karen Duncan Pape and her children and grandchildren. Little Frankie called him Toto and described him as her bonus grandpa. He brought the family great joy with his kind and loving spirit. He is also survived by special cousins Jackie Jones and Judy Ridinger, and his dear sister-in-law Dee Dee Butler-Long.

A visitation and short service for Terry will be held at McCoy Funeral Home on Thursday April 2 at 10:00 AM with graveside interment to follow. Anyone wishing to make donation in celebration of his life, please do so with a donation to the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry, a service for those experiencing food insecurity. They are located at P.O.Box 11382, Blacksburg, VA 24060 and may be reached at 540-951-8134 for more information.