Alton Hugh Long (Paw Paw), a World War II Veteran of the US Navy, passed away peacefully on the eve of Easter, Saturday, March 31, 2018. He was a devout Christian, (Deacon, Palisades Church of Christ), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on August 1st, 1924 to John Edward and Annie Mae Long. He graduated from Sidney Lanier High School and later attended the University of Alabama Extension Center completing a two-year program in Transportation and Traffic Management.
Alton was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mable Long, of 73 years, and 4 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by two daughters; Linda Stewart (Charlie), Susan Womack (Greg); five grandchildren, Charlie Stewart (Malia), Jay Stewart (Brooke), Susan Murdock (Gil), Anne Sanford (Will), Abby Nevins (Holder) and nine precious great-grandchildren.
He was a third-generation employee of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company (CSX) from 1944 -1983. His civic and business affiliations included life member and board member of Birmingham Traffic and Transportation Club, President of Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, Birmingham Civitan Club and a life member of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. For recreation, he was an avid gardener and an ardent University of Alabama follower, especially in the era of Bear Bryant.
The family expresses the deepest appreciation to his sitters who loved and cared for him; Mona Lisa Coleman, Tameka Mitchell, Pat Brewster, and Sherrell Brown.
Visitation with the family will be held at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel on Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. A private family burial will follow.
On Friday, April 6th, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Arbors apartments at St. Martins in the Pines.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
- Rainbow Omega
PO Box 740
Eastaboga AL 36260-0740- Birmingham Athletic Partnership
PO Box 10163
Birmingham AL 35202- or a charity of your choice.
Published in The Birmingham News on Apr. 4, 2018.