David Paul Long

David Paul Long was born August 2, 1957 at Oak Ridge Hospital.  He lived in Concord, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City and  BallPlay, TN.

In his early years, he spent his time as a Boy Scout and a paper delivery boy in Oak Ridge, and then as a Gulf Gas Station attendant in Lenoir City.  He graduated from Lenoir City High School in 1975 and then joined the Army.  In the Army. He worked as a Master Mechanic and Marksman. 

After serving in the Army, he transferred to the Tennessee Army National Guard in Lenoir City.  He then completed his military service in the Air Force National guard at McGhee Tyson Air Force Base.

While serving his country, David also worked as an ASC Certified Mechanic at Rice Oldsmobile and then later as Service Manager at Matlock Tires.  After working for many years in the automotive industry, he went to work as a Health Physics Technician where he cleaned up Atomic test sites around the world and then in Oak Ridge. 

He successfully opened several self-owned businesses, including D.L. Auto Sales and Service which specialized in car sales, car repair, and major paint and body work.  David was also an Amsoil Dealer/Representative for Tennessee.  He enjoyed being a mechanic, knowing that is what he wanted to do since he was 10 years old, when he started fixing bicycles for neighborhood kids.  He obtained his license with motorcycle and CDL endorsements.  The ever loving adrenaline junkie.  He raced at Atomic Speedway winning multiple times

If he saw something he wanted, he would find a way to get it, which lead to his other dream, “closing the deal”.  He would spend his time going yard/estate sales during the week,  come the weekend he would be found in Tellico Plains set up with his trailer at the Flea Market, never having time to sit down to rest.

When he wasn’t busy building his empire, he was a member of the Over Hill Indian with his given name of Gray Fox, as named by chief Man Many Trees.  David was also a 3^rd Degree Mason.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed primitive camping where he practiced outdoor survival skills and playing with his grandchildren.

David will be remembered by his family and friends for his wonderful way of making people laugh with his laughter.  He had a deep sense of family heritage and enjoyed living in the Tellico Plains area where the roots of his family tree first began.

 David is preceded in death by his parents, Paul J. Long and Willa Mae Long; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Evelyn Baumann.

He is survived by his loving wife, Grace Long; daughter and husband, Juanita and Matt Warnick; and grandchildren Taylor and Cheyenne Baumann.

David returned to his heavenly home on August 29, 2019.  He will be laid to rest at the Oak Grove Friends Church in BallPlay, TN with full military and masonic honors.