Bruce Long

Bruce Allen Long, MD of Roanoke, Va., died at home with his family on Monday, August 30, 2021, at the age of 58. He fought aggressive prostate cancer fiercely for six years.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dawn Murphree Long; daughter, Laura Long and husband, John Bonanno; son, Jacob Long; and beloved hound, Hammer. He is also survived by his parents, Annetta and Jerry Long of Spokane, Wash.; mother-in-law, Billie Murphree of Roanoke; twin brother, Bryan Long and wife, Sherry, of Johnson City, Tenn.; and sister, Cheryl Gade and husband, Scott, of Spokane, Wash. He loved his aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews and cherished a special connection with father-in-law, Bob Murphree, who predeceased him.

Bruce adored Dawn, Laura, Jacob and John and his time with them, whether at home, traveling together, or on weekly video calls. Following the example of Jesus Christ, Bruce's goal was to serve and help make those around him better in all that he did. He was active in ministry at South Roanoke United Methodist Church for many years and more recently at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church. He held many leadership positions and loved singing in the choir.

Bruce was a respected and dedicated surgeon and teacher who devoted his entire career to the Roanoke community in the surgical care of his patients and the mentoring and education of countless residents. He demonstrated the highest levels of commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, education, and service at Carilion Clinic and the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

In addition to his local work, he participated in weeklong missions as a volunteer surgeon with Solid Rock International in the Dominican Republic. He was determined to serve and contribute in spite of the discomfort and uncertainties of his illness.

Bruce cultivated many hobbies and pastimes from gardening and playing steel drums with Dawn, to woodworking and building Legos with Jacob, to throwing pottery with Laura. He loved listening to music, playing board and card games, strategizing in fantasy football, mixing great cocktails, and taking photographs- especially of flowers in the garden and animals on South African safari.

Bruce's family is grateful to Dr. Mark Kochenderfer, Nurse Practitioner Jolee Preston, and Dr. David Buck for excellent care and relentless pursuit of treatments to keep his cancer at bay. They also want to thank Dr. Virginia O'Brien, Dr. Molly Rutherford, and partner and friend, Dr. Chuck Paget for their care and support.