Melvin "Mel" Cornell Long

Melvin “Mel” Cornell Long Sr., 78, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 11, 2024.

A funeral service to honor Mel’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 15th at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Robert Langley and Rev. Grady Simpson. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, October 14th at Munden Funeral Home. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Mel was born on May 14, 1946, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Vernon and Ethel Long. A proud veteran, Mel served honorably in both the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army, showcasing his dedication to his country.

Mel found fulfillment in his career as a Master Marine Mechanic at 70 West Marina, where his keen analytical and problem-solving were seen time and time again. His passion for mechanics extended beyond work, as he enjoyed spending time in the garage with his son Shaun, tinkering on projects and keeping busy.

An avid hunter and a passionate collector of guns and knives, Mel took great delight in sharing his homemade deer jerky with family and friends. He also loved to cook and was known for his tasty grilling skills, often bringing people together over shared meals.

In 1972, Mel married Gloria, the love of his life. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending his life with her and spoiling her for 52 years. His big heart knew no bounds, as he was the kind of person who would selflessly give the shirt off his back to those in need. Mel was an extraordinary man whose presence touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. 

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Gloria Long; sons, Timothy Shaun Long and wife Emily, and Melvin Cornell Long Jr. and his family, all of Newport, NC; sister, Verna West of Morehead City, NC; and brother, Johnny Hall and wife Lori of Havelock, NC.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.