Henson Long

Canton - Henson Long, 91, of the Bethel Community, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, August 9, 2020 following a period of declining health.

Henson was the son of the late Marvin and Lela Henson Long and a lifelong resident of Haywood County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Mae Blaylock and Erma Lou Layman and an infant brother.  Henson was a 1948 graduate of Bethel High School and former employee of American Enka.  He was a lifelong farmer, cattleman, business owner and retired in 1988 from Champion Papers, where he worked in shipping.

Henson was a 5th generation resident of Bethel and was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church of which his original ancestor in the Bethel Valley was a founding member. Today Henson lives his song, “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You”, as his faith is now sight.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Jo Gorrell; two daughters, Mitzi Warren (Daniel) of Canton and Lou Ann Allen (Brian) of Waynesville; three sons, Armon Long (Hilda), Danny Long (Darlene) and Tommy Long (April), all of Canton; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, J.M. and Norman Long, both of Canton.

Due to current conditions, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Bethel Community Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Roy Kilby officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethel Community Cemetery Fund, 154 Kelly Springs Road, Waynesville, NC  28786 or to Riverside Cemetery Maintenance Fund, 2171 Lake Logan Road, Waynesville, NC  28786.

The care of Mr. Long has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com