Albert Anderson Long, Jr. went home to be with Jesus on October 28, 2020 at the age of 88.

Albert was born to Albert Anderson Long, Sr. and Ruth Parlier Long on November 13th,1931 in Durham, NC.

He met his wife Jacqueline Van Hook in 1955 at UNC-Chapel Hill. They were married on September 1, 1956 and had three boys, Albert Kirkland Long, Michael Bradshaw Long and Daniel Calvin Long.

In the early 1950’s, Albert became the only athlete at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to earn four letters in four varsity sports. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1955 and received the Patterson Medal, awarded to the university’s top student athlete. He was in the Air Force ROTC and after college, he served as a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force. After his service, he spent 15 years in the business world as a life insurance executive.

He was a motivational speaker throughout the 1960’s, speaking at sports banquets, school assemblies, civic clubs, high school graduations, and churches. He conducted many pre-game worship services for college teams, NFL, NBA and other professional teams. His involvement in The Fellowship of Christian Athletes was a big part of his life as he was able to use sports to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. In November of 2007, Albert was inducted into the National Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions in Kansas City, Missouri. In November of 2015, he received The Order of The Long Leaf Pine which is the highest honor presented by the governor to outstanding North Carolinians who have a proven record of service to the state.

In the early 1970’s, Albert joined the Teen Crusade team, sharing his passion for Jesus Christ. In a big step of faith, he started Happenings, Inc. in 1973-1998, a non-profit Christian organization. Albert, along with his talented team, would conduct three-day revivals across the country. Even up to the end of his life, Albert was sharing the hope he has in Christ with those around him. He did a zoom interview with Point Me to Jesus Ministries about his life just two days before he passed away. He wanted to finish well and remind others to never take life for granted. He clung to Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

He is survived by his wife, Jackie of 64 years; children, Kirk, Mike (Libby), Danny and Clark Green; grandchildren, Garrett Anderson Long (Morgan) and Caroline Long Attaway (Brantley); and one great-grandchild, Atticus William Long. Albert was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Lucille Long Cranford (September 3, 2020).

A Celebration of the Life and Ministry of Albert Long will take place at: Grey Stone Baptist Church

Durham, NC, Saturday, November 14, 2020, 2:00pm. Doors Open at 1:30pm * Limited Seating * Covid-19 Protocol & Social Distancing Followed * Masks Required. Live Streaming available at: www.greystonechurch.com

Family available to greet guests immediately following the service.