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1155 Shipyard Blvd
Wilmington, North Carolina
Clifton Issaih Longley, Jr. (Skipper/Skip) departed his earthly dwelling to reside in his eternal heavenly home on Thursday, January 28, 2016.
Skip is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Elizabeth Longley; his in-laws, Charles and Eva Rackley; brothers Graydon Longley and Leroy Longley; sister Beverly Norton; and his treasured pugs, Oscar and Otis.
Born in Burlington, Vermont on October 23, 1947, Skip lived in Middlebury and Bridport, Vermont for the first 18 years of his life. After graduating from Middlebury High, Skip enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country faithfully and honorably during the Vietnam era (1966-69). He spent 13 months of his military service in Da Nang. Skip embodied the Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis" throughout his life. He was a faithful son, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, employee, marine, soldier, and friend.Skip also served in the U.S. Army for three years and was employed by Barnhill Contracting as a backhoe operator for 29 years.
Skip had an incredible work ethic, and some say he may have been the best backhoe operator on the planet. Skip retired from Barnhill in December, 2014, and had the opportunity to travel to his home state of Vermont, to Tennessee, and to his beloved NC mountain home several times before he became ill.
Skip had a variety of interests and enjoyed his childhood in the Green Mountains of Vermont and on the shores of Lake Champlain. After his tour in the Marines, he embraced and came to love his adopted state of North Carolina as he settled there, marrying, and raising his growing family. He loved baseball, water skiing, cycling, go-carting, and anything athletic or dealing with the outdoors. He also was an avid New York Yankees and a Carolina Panthers fan. He was never happier than when he was attending his children's, and later his grandchildren's football, baseball, volleyball, and soccer games, band concerts, cheerleading competitions, parades, and graduations. He had the pleasure of seeing all of his four children married to wonderful spouses and was so happy to be a part of those celebrations.Always the jokester, Skip loved life, his family, and his church.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Linda Rackley Longley; three sons, Jeff (Angie) Longley, Shannon (Kelly) Longley, Chris (Khristen) Longley; one daughter, April (Keith) Ramsey; and six grandchildren- Meredith, Kristen, Blake, Gavin, Evan, and Trevor; and two step-grandchildren Teresa and Heather Ramsey; one brother, Emery (Edna) Longley and one sister, Grace Edney, both in Vermont. He also leaves many caring friends and extended family.
A special thanks to the nursing staff in the ER, CCU, and on the 10th floor of New Hanover Regional Medical Center and especially Dr. Jennifer Nomidas who provided such excellent and compassionate care during Skip's recent hospilization.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. His home going service will be held at Riley's Creek Baptist Church on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 1:00 PM.
Family and friends are encouraged and welcomed to visit the family one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 28, 2016
Tiffany (Meadows) Allen
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
February 1, 2016
Tina Langley partica
GOD BLESS YOU
February 1, 2016
Tina Longley partica
You were my "favorite uncle"' Tho we did not have the chance to see each other, you were always in my thoughts and in my heart. GOD BLESS you and your family.
February 1, 2016
LaDonna, Wesley and Addison Tartt
Deep condolences for the family. May you all cherish the memories and find comfort in knowing you have a guardian angel to watch over you.
February 1, 2016
Peg Reed
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 1, 2016
Sandra Diggs
Mrs. Linda and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My family and myself send our love to you all.
Sandra Diggs and family. (Rocky Point, NC)
February 1, 2016
Terri Longley
To Aunt Linda & family I am sorry to hear of your loss, my heart & prayers are with you. You was a great man who was always very kind to me. He's at peace now with now more pain. Hugs to you & the family.
February 1, 2016
Tonya Longley
Best Uncle anyone could ever ask for. I love you so much Uncle Skipper. RIP. I will miss you. Until we meet again xoxoxoxo......
January 31, 2016
Jo Wood
A delightful gentleman, very much a family man. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends ~ Precious memories ~
January 30, 2016
Amy Brinkley Mintz
Mrs. Linda my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. My heart goes out to all of you.
January 30, 2016
Carol Horne
So very sorry for your loss prayer going out to family and friends.
January 30, 2016
Ray and Paula Mills
we are so sorry for your loss but know he is at peace now and no more sufferying now
January 30, 2016
Randy Longley
RIP uncle skip.
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Coble Funeral & Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412
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