Michael Sidney Long

February 16, 2022

Our beloved Michael Sidney Long passed away February 16, 2022 after a courageous battle with ALS. He will be eternally missed, but never forgotten. He was a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, but had lived in Memphis for 61 years. Michael was born December 26, 1942 to George Winfred Long and Addie Louise (Kirksey) Long. He is survived by his mother, Addie Harris of Memphis; wife, Deborah Long of Memphis and Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Sandi Taylor(Chris) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and daughter Ramey Michelle Long of Memphis, Tennessee. He is also survived by niece Carrie Long Denison(Jason) of Arlington, Tennessee;, nephew, Chad Long(MaryEllen) of Collierville, Tennessee; nephew, Ian Taylor(Amber) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; niece, Lauren Taylor of Albany, Georgia; nephew, Logan Taylor of Edmond, Oklahoma; stepdaughter, Lauren Wolfe Austin(Shaun) of Colorado Springs; stepdaughter, Olivia Grace Wolfe of Colorado Springs and newborn step-grandson Aiden Austin of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is also survived by great-nieces, Camille Long, Maddie Dickson and Anna Denison all of Arlington Tennessee and great-nephews Brett and Deegan Long of Collierville, Tennessee, many extended family members and hundreds of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, George Winfred Long and his younger brother Patrick Elvin Long and sister-in-law Cindy (Slayton) Long. Michael graduated from Hinsdale High School, Hinsdale, Illinois in 1961. He earned his B.B.A. at Memphis State in 1966. He loved college life and in 1964 was on the Memphis State Cheerleading squad. In 1965, Michael performed at the MSU Homecoming, playing bass guitar and singing backup vocals in the band “The Saints.” He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After graduating from MSU, he served in the Air National Guard. In 1971 Michael earned his Juris Doctorate from Memphis State University- Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and was a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Michael practiced law for many decades, starting as an assistant City of Memphis Prosecutor and then a Shelby County Prosecuting Attorney before founding the law firm Long, Umsted, Jones & Kriger in downtown Memphis. He enjoyed helping thousands of clients during his career and could be seen rushing from one courtroom to the next with his ever-present “racing” walk. From the moment Michael’s feet hit the ground each morning, he operated at only two speeds - turbo and inert. That racing walk of his was evidence of his approach to life - go all in or just don’t go. He enjoyed so many activities in his life; riding his Harley to motorcycle and charity events, playing golf, water skiing, playing guitar and singing The Everly Brothers and Eagles songs with his brother Pat, coaching youth basketball, attending concerts, traveling, performing terrible magic tricks and telling even worse jokes, or finding the best fried chicken and ice cold beer in town. But if it was time to watch sports, you would surrender yourself to it, because that man would not be moved. Michael maintained lifelong friendships and loved sharing news and stories of each and every person. When Michael introduced one person to another he made sure to highlight what was unique and interesting about them. He was truly proud of the accomplishments of each and every family member and friend. He was an honorable man, well respected in the legal profession. He was a uniquely kind and gentle man, slow to anger and quick to help. We are deeply saddened at his passing. May God rest his soul. “There are stars in the southern sky Southward as you go There is moonlight and moss in the trees Down the seven bridges road… There are stars in the southern sky And if ever you decide you should go There is a taste of thyme sweetened honey Down the seven bridges road”