Obituary of James Lowry DeLong

James " Jimmy" Lowry DeLong, 87 of Moneta passed away Friday, November 17, 2023.  Jimmy was born the third of nine children to Lowry and Gladys DeLong in Moneta, VA on June 20, 1936.  He was preceded in death by his mom, Gladys; his dad, Lowry; his sister, Mary DeLong Garland and his brothers, Ralph & Herman DeLong.

He was self-employed for the majority of his life and had a knack for creating interesting and successful businesses.  He started a number of ventures over his lifetime, including a beautiful lake front marina located on Smith Mountain Lake.  He loved meeting new people and after selling the marina, Jimmy moved to Florida to open a citrus and cypress shop.  In mid-life he began to travel the NASCAR circuit with a NASCAR a souvenir sales business.  Later in life, until his 86th year, Jimmy sold produce every spring and fall in Alabama.

Jimmy loved the outdoors and enjoyed watching animals, identifying trees, mowing his grass and spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains, especially driving through Cades Cove looking for black bears and having breakfast at Granny's.  Jimmy enjoyed telling stories.  The best story-telling times were when surrounded by family during his annual visits back to Virginia.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa DeLong Pregnall (Herb); his granddaughter, Christine Nicole Mosier (Bryan); his sisters, Louise DeLong Byrd & Cathie "Susie" DeLong Overstreet; his brother, Ray (Marcella), John Howard (Marie) & Danny Wayne (Charlona) DeLong; his sister-in-law, Reva B. DeLong; and his brother-in-law, James Garland as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please join Jimmy's family for a celebration of life graveside service at 11 AM on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the DeLong Family Cemetery, Merriman Way Road, about 2 miles on the left past Epworth Church (60 Merriman Way Road, Moneta)  In case of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Halesford Baptist Church Chapel, 2485 Lost Mountain Road, Wirtz.  Friends and family are welcome and invited to lunch following the service at the Halesford Baptist Church Family Life Center.  

Flowers are appreciated and may be sent to Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1140 West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike, Bedford, VA (540-586-3304) or a donation may be made to World Help, P. O. Box 501, Forest, VA 24551. (worldhelp.net)

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.