Clifford Franklin Long Jr.
Clifford F. Long Jr.,age 55, died peacefully on Friday, November 10th, 2023 at Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield, Ohio due to complications arising from a Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Central Nervous System
Clifford was born July 17th, 1968 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. He moved to Slanesville, West Virginia as a young boy.
Known as "Junior" in his youth, Clifford was a graduate of Hampshire High School Class of 1986 in Romney, West Virginia where he played the Trombone in Marching Band. After graduation he played Trumpet in a Jazz band. His love for music continued throughout his life and he played many instruments including Saxophone, Drums and Keyboard. He loved Big Band music and hated Rock and Roll because it is too repetitive. He especially enjoyed singing with the entire congregation and would attempt to sing harmony with anyone sitting near him at Christian meetings and conventions.
Clifford and Jenny Leigh Talcott were married on December 11th, 1993 in Ravenna, Ohio, where they eventually settled and spent 30 years together, doing their best to live a peaceful, simple life as volunteer ministers; sharing their faith and hope with the community as members of the Ravenna, Ohio Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and formerly members of the Romney, West Virginia Congregation. One positive result of Clifford's disability is that, for awhile, it allowed him to devote all of his time and energy to the ministry and he had the joy and privilege of serving as a Regular Pioneer for a year, until his condition deteriorated. Clifford firmly adhered to Jesus words when he said, "you received free; give free", so while his heart was in the ministry, he made his money by other means. He was a semi dump truck driver and heavy equipment operator for many years and then he focused on hauling freight, finally ending his career as a yard manager / diesel mechanic / driver until July 2021 when the brain tumor was discovered.
In his early twenties, Junior was a volunteer Firefighter with the Slanesville Volunteer Fire Department Company 5 and Levels Volunteer Fire Department Company 6. He also volunteered as an EMT with Romney Rescue Squad Company 11, until he moved to Ohio in 1995.
In addition to his wife, Jenny Leigh Long (Talcott), Clifford is survived by his siblings Lester Long of San Antonio, Texas, Naomi Long and Walter Long (Jennie) both of Slanesville, West Virginia, also many extended family members and in-laws, as well as a couple of dozen nieces and nephews and Grand nieces and Grand nephews.
He also leaves behind many health care workers who took such good care of him during his final months, but the following 5 touched his heart and he viewed them as being his family: (the other)Jenny, Jessica, Kate, Richard and Shar.
Clifford asked that no funeral or memorial service be held, in accord with his own long held personal opinions and wishes. However he wanted all to know about his sure hope for the future when his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 65:17 will be fulfilled. "For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart."
His desire is that everyone reading this, please watch the 3 minute video at the following link that briefly explains his belief in a physical resurrection to perfect life forever, right here on earth. His focus on that promise and the joy that he looked forward to is what helped him to endure life's difficulties, faithful to his God, Jehovah, right down to the end.
https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=share&wtlocale=E&lank=docid-502017858_1_VIDEO