Charles Phillip Long,III

Charles Phillip Long, III departed this life on November 14, 2014. He was born to Charles Phillip Long, Jr. and Enid Rowland Long on August 23, 1936 in Gulfport. He is survived by his beloved spouse Dorothy Thomsen Long; three step children, Cynthia Ensminger (Richard), Rachel Blackmon (Tim), Christine Hilton (Scott); his brother Gordon Edward Long (Dona); and by his niece Enid Long Machen and nephew Thomas Rowland Long, Jr. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas Rowland Long (Jean). Charles graduated from Gulfport High School in 1954 and from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1958 with a BS degree in Business. While in college, Charles was a member of Kappa Alpha social fraternity, the student Senate, and Army ROTC program. Charles later attended LSU and Tulane briefly to obtain a CPCU designation in the insurance field. After college, commissioned as a Second LT., Charles served in the U.S. Army. Charles resigned his commission in 1968 having attained the rank of Captain. Charles spent many years in the New Orleans area residing in Old Metairie. Involved in the insurance industry with an emphasis on maritime insurance, he served in sales, branch management, and as a corporate officer. He later was employed by Curtis 1000, a division of American Business Products, for over fifteen years. While in New Orleans, he was a member of the Mariners Club, The Surplus Lines Association, and the Contemporary Arts Center. Charles also served for many years on the boards of The Council of East Jefferson and Beverly Knoll Civic Association. Earlier, her served on the Jefferson Parish Signage Committee. Charles retired in 2001 and in 2004 moved to Gulfport, where he married Dottie Thomsen Persons. For Charles, becoming active once again in St. Peters Episcopal Church was a great experience. Reuniting with his old friends, Charles was the founding member of the Late Risers Men’s Breakfast Club, which met every Tuesday morning at Triplett Day. Charles was a member of Kiwanis, Gulfport Yacht Club, Gulfport Historical Society, and served on the Swan Lake Estates Board for 3 years. He was also involved with the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association, the USM Foundation, and the Kappa Alpha Court of Honor. Charles and his wife Dottie received the University’s Continuous Service Award in 2008, and both of them served on the Steering Committee for the new School of Business building in 2012. The funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 22, 2014, at St. Peter by the Sea Episcopal Church, with visitation for family and friends from 2 to 3 P.M. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be sent to University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 or to St. Peters by the Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOME, 15th St. Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com