Michael Dewayne Long of Newport departed this life early Saturday morning, May 16, 2026, with his wife and sister beside him at the age of 43. He was born on August 22, 1982, the son of Johnny and Tracy (Decker) Long.
Michael was a proud 2001 graduate of Newport High School. After graduating, he spent a year playing baseball at North Ark Community College. He then returned home to work with his dad at the Newport Parks and Recreation until he followed in his dad’s footsteps and attended Black River Technical College. He graduated from Black River Technical College for policing in Class 15A.
Michael was a Sergeant with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office from 2014 until 2022. He then went to work for the Newport Police Department, where he served from 2022 until the present. Law enforcement was his calling, but he truly found his home when he became the School Resource Officer for Newport Elementary. While at the elementary he embraced each day the same way he did every student who entered the doors: with love in his heart!
He loved playing baseball and softball, but found his passion in coaching. Michael coached many kids and teenagers through softball, American Legion, and pee-wee football. He loved coaching his nephew Ryan and friends alongside his brother-in-law Colby. He continued his love of coaching when he was pulled back to the softball world when Kenzie began playing.
Michael’s greatest joy was watching Kayden, Kenzie, Ryan and Lorali participate in all activities. You could always count on Michael being on the sidelines, cheering on any and all Greyhounds.
Whether it be through the playful banter with his sister Misty or the devotion he showed his wife Candice daily, Michael was a family man who loved fiercely. Michael attended Tuckerman Faith Assembly of God, and his love for God was evident in his daily life.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Orvel Long and Ruby (Winkles) Adams; two special uncles, Tim Bullard and Jerry Long.
Michael is survived by his wife, Candice (Hembrey) Long of Newport; one son Kayden Morrow of Newport; two daughters, Kenzie Morrow of Newport and Kaegan Long of Coppell, Texas; his father, Johnny Long and wife, Teresa, of Newport; his mother, Tracy (Decker) Kingsley and husband, Michael, of Jacksonville; one sister, Misty Burgin and husband, Colby, of Newport; his maternal grandmother, Pamela Decker of Newport; one niece, Lorali Burgin of Newport; one nephew, Ryan Burgin of Newport; his in laws, Debbie (Nana) and Rickey (Pop) Hembrey of Newport; his brothers from another mother, Trakis Donaldson, Ricky Morales and Chuck Fears; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a lifetime of friends.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Colby Burgin, Ricky Morales, Trakis Donaldson, Chuck Fears, Matthew Duvall, and Trey Randolph. Honorary pallbearers are the Family at NES, Newport Police Department, and the 2018-2022 Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Newport Greyhound Field House, with Brother Brandon Gates officiating. Interment will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
