Mr. Bradley Burchael Long, age 67, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. He was born on September 25, 1958, in Gainesville, Georgia, to Marie McKinzey Long and the late Burchael Long.
Bradley Long is being remembered by his family, friends, and community as a man defined by quiet strength, steady faith, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Early Life and Roots in Gainesville
Brad grew up in Gainesville, Georgia, where he built lifelong connections and remained deeply tied to his hometown throughout his life.
From an early age, he was known for being dependable, respectful, and grounded—qualities that stayed with him into adulthood.
Career and Work Ethic
Bradley Long dedicated 40 years of his life to working with Wrigley’s, where he built a reputation as a loyal and hardworking employee.
After retirement, his strong work ethic continued as he established Long Lawn Care, a business that kept him active in the community.
Through his work, he remained connected to people—doing what he did best:
showing up, helping others, and serving with consistency.
Faith and Church Life
Brad was a faithful member of Free Chapel Worship Center.
His faith was not something he only expressed on Sundays—it was reflected in how he treated others every day.
He believed in service, humility, and kindness, often placing the needs of others before his own.
Friends and family say his life reflected what he believed.
Personality and How He Will Be Remembered
To those who knew him, Bradley Long was:
- a devoted husband and father
- a man of quiet strength
- someone who loved helping others
- a person with a strong sense of humor
- and someone who could brighten a room in small, unexpected ways
He was especially known for his clever poems and ability to make people smile, even in ordinary moments.
People often describe him simply:
“To know him was to be loved by him.”
Family and Loved Ones
Brad is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Renee Bennett Long of Gainesville; sons Justin Bradley Long (Joe) of Decatur and Grayson Bennett Long of Gainesville; his mother, Marie McKinzey Long of Gainesville; sister Karen Hodge (Mark) of Flowery Branch; mother-in-law Margaret Bennett of Gainesville; nieces Amber Hardeman (Brian) of Lawrenceville and Brooke Hodge of Atlanta; and great-nephews Parker and Brooks Hardeman.
He was preceded in death by his father, Talmadge Burchael Long.
Service Information
A funeral service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Pastor Tony Sutherland will officiate the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Free Chapel Forward Conference, 3001 McEver Rd, Gainesville, GA 30504.
Legacy and Final Tribute
Bradley Long will be remembered for the way he lived—steadily, faithfully, and with a heart for others.
He did not seek attention or recognition. Instead, he built his legacy through everyday actions: working hard, helping others, and caring deeply for his family and community.
His life reflected a simple but powerful truth:
service, faith, and kindness leave a lasting impact.
