Tributes

Happy was born in SC to Louis and Margaret Long and grew up in Kingstree, SC. It is said that that Happy laughed instead of cried when slapped on the bottom; hence, the name. His father became known as Big Happy. He received his BA from the University of SC, and Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology, SMU. As a UMC Elder, Happy served God in a special way. Happy always had a calling to serve the elderly. He loved his old people and was always their advocate. In high school he served as a part time preacher to a tiny country church in SC where he said that his main duty was to get the church warm before members arrived and before he could preach. While at SMU, he worked at the Methodist Home, and as assistant administrator for Golden Acres Jewish Home for the Aging in Dallas Texas. His ministry to Holocaust survivors was recognized by B'nai B'rith. After graduation he was asked to pilot an intercity program for the aging in Minneapolis MN. It was here that Happy was ran into a tree during an ice storm, crushing his right sciatic nerve and hip and breaking both legs. His doctors wanted to set his bones to mend in a sitting position. Happy decided he could walk because he could move his little toe, and his bones were set to walk, which he did after months of terrible pain and therapy. Returning to SC, he met and married Valerie Lawrence. He also realized his desire to be a chaplain by graduating from the chaplaincy program at Baptist Hospital in Columbia, SC. Moving to PA, he served HCR ManorCare as one of two national lead Chaplains. However, Happy considered being a chaplain for the PA State Police his greatest blessing. It reflected his beginnings in Kingstree where he was his father’s shadow. His Dad was one of the first three corporals with SC State Highway Patrol. He and his wife, Valerie, retired to San Antonio to be near her family, making good a promise he made to Valerie when they moved to PA. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Margaret Long. His uncles Herbert Stackley, William J. Stackley, both of SC; his uncle Louis Stackley of GA, and his aunt, Grace Grant of Fl. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Valerie. In SC, he is survived by his sister Grace Justice, his nieces Dolly Garfield (Robby), Ivey Justice, and Tess Justice, and great niece, Lila Grace Garfield. Happy was blessed with wonderful aunts and uncles. In Sc His is also survived by his sister in-law, Carol Schuh of San Antonio TX and his niece Jennifer Broderick, her husband Lt. Col. Matthew Broderick and great nephew Nicholas of Fort Sheridan., Ill. He is also survived by his aunts Annie Laurie Stackley and Gertha Lou Stackley. Of SC. On February 13, at 2 PM, Happy is being honored at a Memorial Service at Helotes Hills UMC, Helotes , Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas Texas (https://www.smu.edu/PERKINS). Happy’s ashes will remain with his wife, Valerie.

Tributes

Happy Long

July 29, 1939 - January 18, 2021