K. Keith Long

K. Keith “Teak” Long, age 90, formerly of Alexandria, VA and Ambler, PA, died surrounded by his family on December 12, 2023.

Born September 30,1933, Keith was the third child of Mabel Sponaugle and Lloyd Long. He is survived by his wife Jill; their children Justin (Janet), Meredith (Brian) McCormick, and Kyle (Bernadette); and their seven grandchildren: Maeve, Henry, Conor, Cameron, Finn, Charlie, and Avery.  He is also survived by his siblings Jean, Paul, Dale, and Harold, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him.

Keith grew up in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He graduated from Madison College (now JMU) in 1954, then enrolled in the Navy, where he became a pilot, eventually retiring with the rank of Commander after many years of both active and reserve duty. In 1964, Keith received his M.B.A. from George Washington University and went on to a long and successful accounting career working for the firms Hoke, Long and Company; Pannell, Kerr, Forster; and Watkins, Meeghan, Drury and Company.

Keith was proof that hard work could lead to great things, and for all his life his work ethic was a great inspiration to those around him. Not much for relaxing, he felt there was always something he could do, for himself or for others. He was incredibly disciplined, exercising every day for as long as his family could remember, not letting diabetes or even Alzheimer’s slow him down.

Keith had many joys in life: shopping for antiques, collecting coins and Hess Trucks, and was meticulous about his lawn, never seeing a weed he did not pull. He washed whoever’s car was in his driveway, whether they asked him to or not. He was a social person who was quick to laugh and always wore a smile. If he called you Moose it meant he liked you, and he called a lot of people Moose. He also loved to compete, routinely dominating his children and grandchildren in ping pong and cornhole. In his later years, he discovered pickleball, and loved playing it with his new friends at Gwynedd Estates in Ambler, PA.

Most of all, Keith loved his family. Along with Jill, he was unfailingly present in his children’s lives: coaching their soccer teams, taking them to Washington football games during their glory years at RFK, and serving as a proud member and President of the Gonzaga College High School Fathers’ Club. He supported their goals and dreams even when he did not completely understand them, and was always there for them when they needed help.

As he got older, Keith loved to talk about how fortunate he was. Especially to be married to Jill. They were different people, but were a great team, married for 58 years. With Keith’s passing, his family would like everyone to know how

incredibly fortunate and privileged they feel to have had such a great husband, father, grandfather and sibling.

A special thanks to the staff, nurses and hospice team at Gwynedd Estates and Spring House Estates for the excellent care they provided to Keith.

A private prayer service was held, and a Graveside Service will be scheduled in the late spring at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/ways-to-contribute?gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhHy64QioNNnsgP0kQ3EcDb805hSeJcX3Wazyp30H0WHOmRAKl5w8KOBoCbhYQAvD_BwE&utm_campaign=memorial-brand-campaign&utm_content=sitelink-extension&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_term=fundraising.