Virgil Allen Long, 75, passed away on July 28, 2026. Born on January 27, 1951, he was the youngest of the Long children and will be remembered for his gentle spirit, creativity, and the many talents that brought joy to his family and friends.

He worked for Westmoreland Coal Company and attended Mountain Empire College. Virgil had a lifelong love of the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. One of his finest moments came when the Big Stone Gap Post published a photograph of him proudly displaying an impressive string of fish.

A man of many gifts, Virgil enjoyed creating beautiful scarves on his knitting machine, often giving them as treasured gifts to his sisters, family members, and friends. He was also a gifted poet whose thoughtful and inspiring writings reflected his faith, love, and appreciation for the beauty of God's creation.

Virgil found great happiness tending his flower beds and vegetable garden, both of which reflected his patience, care, and remarkable green thumb. His family often smiled as they credited his parents, Bertha Ruth Long for inspiring his love of fishing and Joe Long, Sr. for teaching him the art of gardening.

Above all, Virgil was a devoted husband who deeply loved his wife, Barbara. His affection for her was beautifully expressed in his poem, Gazing the Night, a lasting reminder of the tenderness of his heart.

Virgil will be remembered for his kindness and the many ways he shared his talents with others. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bertha Long; aunts Edwina Hale and Illinois Mitchell; wife, Barbara Long; siblings, James Booker Long, John Calvin Long, Ruth Hardin, Billie Jean Grier, P. Rudolph Long, Darlene Curry, and Joseph Long, Jr.

He is survived by his siblings, Vivian Varner, Tilman Long, Quentin Long, Sheila Purnell (John), Patricia Dulaney; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members.  He had many lasting friendships spanning from high school, work associates, and community members.