CW3 (Ret) Dennis Donald DeLong

Decorated and retired Chief Warrant Officer 3, Dennis D. DeLong passed away on February 10, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.  Dennis honorably served his country for over 23 years.  He was the beloved husband of Sylvia Shore DeLong of Fayetteville, N.C., for nearly 56 years.  Father to Dennis E. DeLong and his wife Sandy of Fayetteville, N.C, Ginny DeLong Allaby and her husband David of Hudson, Ma., Julie Darlena Raspino and her husband Paul of Oak Island, N.C.  Dennis was also the loving “Paw-Paw” to twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

During his time in the U.S. Army, Dennis served two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded the bronze star.  He also served in Germany, Korea, and multiple bases in the U.S. before retiring at Ft. Bragg. He was a published author of content for military training manuals and the recipient of many distinguished honors, medals, and ribbons. He was a proud member of the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Dennis became a saved and devout Christian on Easter Sunday in 1999 and showcased that through action.  He was a member of Cedar Falls Baptist Church, where he served as the Deacon Chair, taught Sunday school, and volunteered many hours to support the church community and families in transition through the church’s interfaith program.

As a husband and father, Dennis worked tirelessly to support his family. He was a shining example of great work ethic and attention to detail.  He taught us all the value of a good day’s work. How to take care of things ourselves, like changing our own tires and oil. To always make time to go fishing or get outside and his final lesson included not putting off the things you enjoy because we are not promised tomorrow and should live in the moment.

Those that know him best will remember a quiet yet, very funny and engaging man, who loved to garden, hunt, fish, feed his birds, and spend time outdoors. His love of the outdoors was clearly visible in the attention he gave to his yard, flowers, the birds that he treated like dear friends. We will all miss his quick wit and so much more.

Memorial services will be held at Cedar Falls Baptist Church in Fayetteville, N.C. on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to St. Jude, the American Lung Association, and /or Feeding America.