Edwin Long

Edwin Long, 96, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023 in Gilbert, Arizona.  He was born in Bay Minette, Alabama to Lois and Walter Long on January 21, 1927. They relocated to the Miami, Arizona area when Ed was 3.  Athletics was a driving force in Ed’s life.  He played multiple sports at Miami HS and was a standout basketball player for 4 years at ASU.  He coached basketball at Glendale, Phoenix Tech, Phoenix Union and Phoenix College.  His proudest moments were leading his PU teams to 4 State Championships in 5 years.  Ed spent the last 23 years of his career as the Athletic Director for the Phoenix Union High School System. Part of that time his job included Boys Athletics, Girls Athletics, Marching Band, Pom and Cheer and Special Ed.   In retirement, Ed spent time helping his parents before their passing and working on the many Miami High School Reunion of Classes and the Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

Ed touched many lives during his career, especially those that he coached. He was picked to be the first basketball coach when Carver High School and Phoenix Union High School integrated.  It was a divisive time in our country and Ed was always there to back his players of all color, even if it wasn’t the popular thing to do.   One player said that at a critical time in our lives, Coach Long was one of the few white men to even come into our neighborhoods to help us young men out. Many of his players credit Coach Long for shaping them into the successful men they became.  They have said that without his help and guidance in pursuing colleges and careers, their lives would have gone down a much different path.

He met the love of his life, Cheryl Nix, when they were freshmen at ASU.  Ed and Cheryl were married in 1947 after Ed’s service in the navy during WWII.  They were blessed with two daughters, Cheryl Partridge (Scott) and Carolyn Guptill (Gene).  They instilled a love for travel in their family, especially to their favorite Hawaiian destinations.   Ed and Cheryl were married for almost 75 years until Cheryl’s passing last year.  Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maxine and beloved wife.  He is survived by his daughters, seven grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Mountain View Stake Center – 1550 N. Val Vista Dr., Mesa, Arizona.  A viewing will be held at the chapel on June 30^th from 6-8pm.  A private burial will precede the funeral.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.