Tom Long Dies At Age 62

Thomas J. “Tom” Long, an instructor at VGCC for more than 20 years, died suddenly on Sunday, March 10, at his home in Warren County.

Long began employment with Vance-Granville on Oct. 20, 1980, as program head/instructor of Criminal Justice. He held that position until his disability retirement on Dec. 15, 2000. From November 1988 through February 1994, he also served as chairman of Public Service/Vocational Programs.

He was named Instructor of the Year three times at VGCC.

Tom Long packed a lot of living and accomplishment into his 62 years. A Kansas native, Long had a long-time association with law enforcement, having retired from both the Alamance County Sheriff’s Department and the Henderson Police Department. He was the first director of the Henderson-Vance County Vice Unit, and he founded the Henderson-Vance CrimeStoppers, of which he was president at the time of his death.

Long is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three daughters; and four sons, one of whom, Wayne, graduated from VGCC’s Criminal Justice program and Basic Law Enforcement Training academy and is now an officer with the Henderson Police Department.

Graveside services were held Thursday, March 14, at Tom’s favorite oak tree near his favorite hunting spot on the Dillard farm in Inez.

All of us at VGCC offer our deepest condolences to Tom Long’s family.