Terry Duane Long

Terry Duane Long, 71, gained his heavenly reward Tuesday, December 20, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Due to the holiday season, family visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023 at San Angelo First Church of the Nazarene, 3354 W. Beauregard from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and a Celebration of Life service to follow on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM officiated by Rev. Harold Watkins, and Rev. Joni Lancaster at Freedom Fellowship Church, 342 S. Chadbourne St. San Angelo. Service may be viewed at https://freedomfellowship.us/funeral You may also view from Freedom Fellowship Church FaceBook page.

Terry was born March 6, 1951 in Ballinger to Jack and Virginia Long. He grew up in San Angelo, and was a 1969 graduate of Central High School and later attended Gulf Coast Bible College. Growing up, Terry worked at multiple grocery stores. His true calling was sales, where he started with Martha White-Gladiola Baking Company, and finally spent 33 years as a Senior Account Agent with Allstate Insurance when he retired. Three years after retiring, Terry, who was a people person, came out of retirement and went to work for Window Depot of West Texas during the last nine years of his life.

While working at Skaggs-Albertson's, Terry met the love of his life, Nancy Jo DeWees and as Terry recalls, Nancy put him in a half-nelson over the hood of his Chevelle, and said either we get married or we split forever. After a 90-day courtship, they were married December 4, 1971, and spent 51 of the best years of their lives together. In 1974, they welcomed their first child Brantley Jon "BJ", and in 1977, Emily Nichole was born.

In 1976, Terry recommitted his life to the Lord which led him to serve in numerous ministries in the Church of the Nazarene. Those ministries included various board and advisory positions, but his most loved position was the Minister of Music for 40 plus years. With his love of music, he spent many years singing in the San Angelo Symphony, Majesty, and Heirborne trio. His relationship with the Lord being the top priority, allowed him to serve on the Local Church Board, Dare to Care Ministries, District Advisory Board, Southern Nazarene University Board of Trustees, Layman's Retreat committee, and the Superintendent of Grounds for the local church.

With Terry's involvement in the church, he and Nancy traveled the world serving as the hands and feet of Jesus through various mission trips. After giving his financial security to the Lord, Terry's insurance business prospered, making it a successful agency where he received numerous local and regional sales achievements. Terry was known as "The Good Hands Man"!
As a result of many years of hard work, he sold his business and built his dream, "The Farm" on 7 acres in Miles beginning in 2005. From pasture land, a new creation was born, complete with a pecan orchard, and eventually their forever home where they loved to cook and entertain. He and Nancy made a great team working together to build the life they loved.

Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy; son, BJ Long and wife Jenn of Greensboro, North Carolina; daughter, Nichole Bartz and husband Jeremy of Wall; grandchildren, Kaylee Bartz and Landree Bartz and Amos Long. Other survivors include a brother, Ron Long and wife Teresa; nieces, Kim Hiler and husband Teddy, Christy Landsdale and husband Norman all of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and Angie Yu and husband Henry of Castle Rock, Colorado; nephews, Jack DeWees and wife Nicole of Franksville, Wisconsin; and James DeWees of Liberty, Missouri. Terry also has numerous cousins, great nieces, nephews, and many special friends he considered family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Raj Cheruku, Dr. Kenny Jastrow, and Dr. Jaffer Ajani, and his care teams from Shannon Oncology, MD Anderson, Enhabit Home Health and Gentiva Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. All floral arrangements may be sent to Robert Massie Funeral Home by Friday, January 6, 2023. Memorial contributions may be made to San Angelo First Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, 3354 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76904.