Knight of the Month
Saturday, July 23 2005 @ 11:49 AM CDT
On behalf of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart of Southport Council I have the honor to present the Knight of the Month Award to John Long. Jr.
John was born in Greenville, SC. At the age of 20, prior to entering the Army in 1956, he operated his own used furniture store in West Greenville, SC. After his discharge from the Army in 1958, John answered an ad in the Greenville News for a sales position with Kimbrell’s Furniture Company. He was hired as a saleman in 1959 and in 1969 he became the store manager in Union, SC. Subsequent promotions moved John rapidly up the ladder and in 1987 he was selected North Carolina’s Furniture Retailer of the Year. In 1987 he became Vice President of Kimbrell’s Furniture Company and with Mr. Kimbrell ran the 52 store operation. In 1998, at the age of 62, John completed 39 years with Kimbrell and retired to Oak Island, NC.
John and his wife, Jeannette, have been married for 45 years and have a son, John Bernard Long, III and a daughter Leah Marie Long. They are the proud grandparents of Jonathan Wayne and Madison Long.
During his career, John also served with the Chamber of Commerce as Director of the United Way, President of the Sertoma Clubs in Union, SC and Raleigh. He was on the church finance committee at New Hope Baptist Church in Raleigh and served in many capacities in the church.
John and his wife Jeanette attended and served in the protestant faith all their married life. In 1998 they enrolled in the RCIA program at Sacred Heart Church in Southport and became Catholics in 1999. John immediately became a charter and active member of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council when it was established in August 1999. He served as the Council Chancellor for two years and after only two years as a knight he was elected Grand Knight and served two terms until 2003.
During both terms, John guided the Council through 20 major involvement programs required to obtain the prestigious Star Council Award.
During John’s term as Grand Knight he started the Annual Picnic for the Knights and their spouses, which has become a highlight of the year. John is currently serving his third year as Trustee and is a valued member of the Executive Board.
Using his extensive sales experience, John has been a major contributor to our annual golf tournament by obtaining donations from eighteen [18] golf courses for green fees and carts for the auction.
He is a charter member of our Fourth Degree and can always be counted on to participate in his regalia at military, civic activities and participates in funerals for deceased brothers.
He contributes to Sacred Heart Church as an usher and a Eucharistic Minister. He is also a member of the Parish Council.
John, with your decision to become a member of the Catholic Church you have shown by your work and your deed how proud you are to be a Catholic.
John Bernard Long. Jr. we are thankful for your contributions to the church, community and the Knights of Columbus, Congratulations on being our Knight of the Month.
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