Earl Lebanon Long

Earl Lebanon Long, age 95, of Amarillo was greeted at the gates of Heaven by his beloved wife, June and his three children, Michael, Rosemary and Rebecca and oh what a joyful reunion is was.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 12pm to 5pm at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 10am at Middle Point Community Fellowship with Rev. Robert Brown officiating. A private graveside service will be held by the family.

Earl was born in Winston- Salem, North Carolina on November 12, 1927 to his parents Robert Lee and Rosa Lena Miller Long.  He grew up on the farm in North Carolina and upon graduation he entered into the US Air Force.   He then met the beautiful Wanda June Wheeler, the couple were married on May 21, 1949 at the Buchannan St. Methodist Church in Amarillo, one week after June’s graduation!  That day started an adventure that would span over the next fifty six years until June’s death in 2006.

For over thirty three years, Earl worked for Texaco as a Maintenance Supervisor. Earl retired May 1, 1985.  In 1986 he began a second career, working with Maurice and Mack at Schooler Gordon Funeral Home as a funeral ambassador.  He continued to work for Schooler Funeral Home up until 2016 when his health started to decline.

Earl had a servant’s heart and throughout his life he volunteered for many different organizations.  He was a member of the Amarillo North Lions Club for many years.  He loved traveling to the Lions Summer Camp each year.  He also volunteered for BSA Hospice and Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch.  Earl was the epitome of a kind soul.  He was gentle, caring and had a passion to serve in any capacity he could.  He was a favorite at the funeral home, bringing his “girls” root beer and a smile for years even after he retired.

He had a faith that was virtually unshakeable, from the loss of his son Michael, the loss of his soul mate June, the loss of his daughter Rosemary, and the loss of Becky, Earl never lost hope or faith.  He knew without a doubt that God held him in the palm of His hand.  For many years Earl and June were member of South Georgia Baptist Church where they were very important and loved members of the congregation.  After her death Earl moved to Middle Point Community Church where he continued to serve both God and people.  In true Earl fashion, he became a beloved and cherished member of that church as well.  No truer statement could be said then, “to know Earl was to love Earl.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Long on January 3, 2005; his beloved June on March 13, 2006; his two daughters Rosemary Long on February 23, 2013 and Rebecca “Becky” Long Stamps on September 18, 2021; by brothers, Earnest, Robert, Fred, Ray, Monroe, Sam, Ralph and Homer Long; and by sisters, Margie Hiatt and Joan Furches.

Earl is survived by his son-in-law Wade Stamps and his wife Carolyn; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Long; his granddaughter, Whitney Land-Riggins and husband Andrew and their daughter June Riggins; his sister, Mae Smith; his brother, Thomas Long; and a host of blessed individuals that were lucky enough to call Earl a friend.