John "Wes" Wesley Long III

With heavy hearts we mourn the death and celebrate the life of John Wesley (Wes) Long III, 57, who passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023. Surviving are his parents, Phyllis Rowland Long Mullis (David) and John W. Long, Jr (Marty); beloved children, Anna Leslie Long and Henry Ellison (Hank) Long; fiancé Chesney; and best friends Andy Alexander, Tom Smith, and lifelong friend, Matthew King. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Glenn and Benalee Rowland, and paternal grandparents, John W. and Mary Long.

Wes lived enthusiastically and was passionate about everything from basketball (Hornets and Tarheels) to film, architecture, graphic design, and music. After meeting singer/songwriter Andy Partridge in the 1980s, Wes built a website for Andy’s band, XTC, at optimismsflames.com As a token of his appreciation, Andy’s “Song for Wes Long” appeared on XTC’s album Fuzzy Warbles Volume 8 in 2006. Wes often quoted these favorite XTC lyrics to his children: “In another time and another place where our history bends, we could’ve been the best of friends and not merely related.”

Wes had an infectious sense of humor and was known for his one-of-a-kind gifts of levity and laughter. He knew how to comfort hearts and smooth tension with a kind and jovial word and an earnest I’m-here-for-you hug. One of Wes’ greatest joys was time spent with his daughter Anna and son Hank, and one of his favorite expressions of love to them was “No matter what, I will always love you.”

Memorial services for Wes Long will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, December 16 at Loray Mill Event Hall in Gastonia, NC, with Reverend Missy Solomon officiating. The family will receive friends at the Event Hall one hour before the service beginning at 12:30 pm. Wes will be laid to rest privately at Hillcrest Gardens in Mt Holly beside his grandparents, John W. and Mary Long.

Wes' generous spirit lives on through his decision to be an organ donor, saving the lives of three other people in need of an organ transplant. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to LifeShare of the Carolinas as another way to keep his giving spirit alive.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park and the staff at Hillcrest Gardens in Mount Holly is honored to serve the Long Family.