P. Rudolph Long was born on December 13, 1939, in Osaka, Virginia to the late Joseph Garfield Long, Sr. and Bertha Leeper Long. He graduated from James Bland High School in 1958. After high school, Rudolph attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He met and married Mary Lane and from that union, they had a son, Anthony Christian (Chris) Long, and a daughter, Rayelene Olivia Long.

Rudolph began his career as a machinist at Union Carbide Corporation's X-10 Plant and eventually became a planner, providing regular advice to the company's executives at X-10. Following his retirement from Union Carbide Corporation, he worked as a driver for Knoxville Tours for many years. Prior to his sudden illness, he was a devoted employee of Patton Funeral Home.

Rudolph was a highly respected member of Logan Temple AME Zion and had been for many years, as he was one of the oldest members. He selflessly dedicated his time to serving as a trustee and organist, singing in the choir, and assisting with any other tasks that needed to be done. During the 1960s, he warmly welcomed gospel musicians into his home, including Shirley Caesar and her singers, providing them with a comfortable place to stay while they were in Knoxville.

He derived immense pleasure from indulging in a variety of leisure activities. Amongst his favorites were golfing and fishing, which they frequently engaged in with great enthusiasm. Additionally, he cherished hosting get-togethers at his residence, where he could entertain close friends and family. Another pastime he enjoyed immensely was cruising on his pontoon boat, often joined by his loved ones and their amiable neighbors, the Long Family. However, above everything else, the family held the highest importance in his life, and he made sure to prioritize spending quality time with them whenever possible.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bertha Long; aunts Edwina Hale and Illinois Mitchell; wives, Mattie Witt Long, and Carol Rawley Long; siblings, James Booker Long, John Calvin Long, Ruth Hardin, Billie Jean Grier, Darlene Curry, and Joseph Long, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Chris and Rayelene Long; grandchildren, Jeremy Long (Danielle), Ashley Long, and Chastity Johnson; great-grandchildren, Joshua Long and Jordan Long, Jaden Donaldson, Ashton Skinner, Jyran McMillan, Cameron McMillan, Jada McMillan, A’nya Johnson, and Alaya Palmer; siblings, Vivian Varner, Tilman Long, Quentin Long (Dionna), Sheila Purnell (John), Patricia Dulaney, Virgil Long; God daughter and God son, Katrina and Joel; a special friend, James Long; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members. He had many lasting friendships spanning from high school, work associates, and church members.

Rudolph was loved by many and will certainly be missed.