Kenneth R. Long, age 73, of Carter County, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home.

Kenneth was born July 2, 1952, in Carter County to the late Charles R. Long and Vivian Anderson Long. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James B. Long.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Diane Long; his daughter, Kristy Vaughn (Kevin Vaughn); and his beloved grandchildren, Carter Vaughn, Callie Vaughn, and Collin Vaughn. He is also survived by his nephews, Harry Lee Messimer (Kelly) and Jonathan Messimer; and several great-nieces and great-nephews: Molly Messimer, Lauralee Messimer, John Messimer (Ally), Chris Messimer, Amy Messimer, Sally Messimer, and Madison Messimer.

Kenneth was a member of Lynn Valley Baptist Church but attended First Baptist Church. He was a  lifetime member of the Carter County Rescue Squad.

He retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority after 33 years of dedicated service as a Public Safety Officer at Watauga Dam. Kenneth was known for his friendly nature and loved making his rounds checking on campers and picnickers—often seeing who had the best food so he could join them for a meal and good conversation.

Earlier in life, Kenneth was a proud member of the Hampton Bulldogs basketball team. Known as the tallest player ever to step onto a court in Carter County, he enjoyed the attention his height and talent brought him. His teammates and friends affectionately nicknamed him the "Gentle Giant" and sometimes "Shorty," a nickname he wore with humor and pride.

Kenneth spent much of his life serving others. Through his work with the Carter County Rescue Squad, he was involved in countless emergency calls and helped transport many people to the hospital in their time of need. Even in later years, when his memory began to fade, he could still vividly recall stories of the accidents he worked and the people he helped along the way.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jonathan Bremner, the staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home, and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for the care and compassion shown during Kenneth's illness.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026 at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Ron Bowman officiating. Active pallbearers will be Kevin Vaughn, Carter Vaughn, Collin Vaughn, Lee Messimer, Jonathan Messimer, Chris Wright, Steve Burrough Jr., Tommy Vaughn, Ted Puckett, Ray Lewis, and Lee Foley. Honorary pallbearers will be the 1969 Hampton Bulldogs Basketball Team, Terry Pope, Steve Burrough Sr., Daniel Grindstaff, Jerry Proffitt and the past and present members of Carter County Rescue Squad. Kenneth will be remembered for his service, generosity, sense of humor, and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime. His legacy of kindness and dedication to his family and community will not be forgotten. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, at Memorial Funeral Chapel prior to the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Long family