July 1, 1938 – August 24, 2026
Mr. Troy D. Long, Sr., age 88, of Bainbridge, Georgia, passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 29, in the Cadwell Chapel of Cox-Ivey Funeral Home. The Rev. Chris Humphries will officiate. Mr. Long will be buried beside his dear wife in Colquitt City Cemetery, Colquitt, Georgia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home before the service, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Troy D. Long was born July 1, 1938, in Miller County, Georgia, to Russell Long and Grace Widner Long. July 5, 1957, was a banner day for Troy. That’s the day he married the love of his life, Sara Mason Long. He and Sara were married 65 years until her death April 17, 2023. He proudly served in the Georgia National Guard. Troy went to work at Southern Bell (AT&T) as a lineman/repairman. He was excellent at his job. Troy was known all over as “The Telephone Man” and knew how to repair every situation that could happen to a phone system or line. Retiring in 1983 did not slow Troy down. He loved woodworking and was constantly adding to or working in his house. He enjoyed old cars, car shows, Snoopy, and loved those silver icicles that hang on Christmas trees (He would collect each one and save for the next year). Dollywood and the mountains were his favorite vacation destinations. Papa was his favorite title and always made him smile. Papa made “special” milkshakes full of his “magic” that made them the best milkshakes ever.
Troy was a member of Bainbridge First Baptist Church, where he served joyfully. He served his church in any and every way he was asked, choir member, committee member, deacon, etc.; he served humbly and honorably. Father’s Day this year, he was honored as Deacon Emeritus.
He was a great husband, father, Papa, and friend. He will never be forgotten and forever be missed.
Troy D. Long, Sr. is survived by his children, Troy Douglas Long, Jr. (Julie) of Bainbridge, Georgia, and Carolyn L. Thompson (Jeff) of Bainbridge; grandchildren, Steven Olds, Laycee Long, Stephanie Ivey (Richard), Chris Olds (Stephanie), Victoria Long, and Beth Campbell (Charlie); great-grandchildren, Ryan, Brooke, Sydnee, Jeff, Henry, Charlee, Gracee, Jack, Blayne, Conner, Alyssa; great-great-grandchild, Luke and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Mason Long; father, Russell Long; mother, Grace Widner Long Driggers; stepfather, W. S. (Scottie) Driggers; sisters, Virginia Warren, Gail D. Spooner; brothers, Kenneth Driggers, Leroy Driggers; granddaughter, Leah Long; and great-grandson, Dylan Olds.
Memorial donations may be made in his honor to First Baptist Church of Bainbridge, P. O. Box 155, Bainbridge, Georgia 39818 or the charity of your choice.
A huge thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for the care and attention they provided our Papa.
Online condolences may be sent at www.coxiveyfuneralhome.com. Cox-Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
