Theodore W. Long, Jr. "Ted"

Theodore Long, Jr. "Ted" Obituary THE SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED PLEASE GO TO THE ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE Theodore W. Long, Jr., affectionately known as Ted, was born on April 22, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Theodore W. Long, Sr., and Ethel O. Long. His parents, both college graduates, instilled in him strong values, a love for education, and a commitment to community service. After an extended illness, Ted passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024. Ted's educational journey began at Sumner High School in Kansas City, Kansas. He then attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, before transferring to Wichita State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. Between undergraduate and graduate school, Ted proudly served his country in combat during the Vietnam War. Ted's professional career started in 1970 at Ernst & Ernst, now Ernst & Young, where he excelled in public accounting. In 1972, Ted married the love of his life, B. Elaine Long. Their partnership was a testament to mutual respect and unwavering love. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Ted was transferred to the company’s headquarters. Elaine, a talented artist, accepted a position at American Greetings. Together, they raised two daughters, Phaedra and Mercedes, and settled in Shaker Heights, Ohio, in 1989. Ted and Elaine were partners in marriage and pillars of the Cleveland community. Elaine was active in The Girl Friends, Inc., The Links, Inc., and The Little Gardens Club of Greater Cleveland. Ted was a respected member of the Boule, Alpha Phi Alpha, the Trout Club at the Cleveland Natural History Museum, and Canterbury Golf Club. Ted was the first African American to be invited to join Canterbury Golf Club, opening the door for other African Americans in the greater Cleveland area to become members. His hobbies included golfing and fly fishing, passions he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. After Elaine’s passing in 2008, Ted found solace in her beloved hobbies of gardening and art. He developed a deep appreciation for wood-burning artwork, sculpture, and gardening, carrying on Elaine’s creative spirit in his own way. Ted’s career at Ernst & Young spanned over 35 years, and he was one of the first African-American partners at the firm. He specialized in public accounting, primarily in attest and advisory services. Ted’s dedication to his profession was evident through his active involvement with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Ohio Society of CPAs, where he served on the Board of Directors. He also contributed his expertise to the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company’s Board of Directors, chairing the Audit Committee. Ted's commitment to the accounting profession extended to his roles with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). He served as Great Lakes regional director, director-at-large, and chair, contributing to numerous committees, including Global Strategies, Administration and Finance, and the Past Chair Advisory Council. In 2023, Ted received the prestigious William H. Van Rensselaer Public Service Award from NASBA. Ted’s dedication was further reflected in his service on the Accountancy Board of Ohio, where he served two terms as chair of the board. Beyond his professional achievements, Ted was a dedicated community leader. He served as an officer and board member for various civic, nonprofit, and professional organizations in the greater Cleveland area. His contributions included roles with The First Tee of Cleveland, the Urban League of Greater Cleveland, United Way Services of Cleveland, and Cleveland Metroparks. Ted took immense pride in his daughters, Phaedra and Mercedes, supporting them in all their endeavors. His role as a father brought him his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment spent with his daughters. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Phaedra and Mercedes Long; his sisters-in-law, Colleen Temple Magee, Sandra Temple Hall, Brenda Temple Tull, Valeria Temple Thompson, and Kelli Terrell Temple; and his brothers-in-law, Knox Tull and Collis Temple Jr. Ted also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, community members, and friends who will cherish his memory and legacy. As we celebrate Ted's life, we remember his contributions to the accounting profession, his dedication to community service, and his passion for art and nature. Most importantly, we honor his profound love for his wife and daughters. Ted’s legacy will continue to inspire us and all who had the privilege of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Theodore W. Long, Jr.'s name to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland. Please see complete info below. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodore W. Long, Jr. "Ted", please visit our floral store. Read More ? Service Program Click to download / open

Theodore W. Long, Jr. "Ted"

April 22, 1944 - July 11, 2024