Vinton, Virginia Mourns Ronnie Long, Former Staunton River High School Wrestling Coach and Athletic Hall of Famer, Survived by Wife Linda and Family

December 11, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 10, 2026

Staunton River and Vinton, Virginia, communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved, longtime high school wrestling coach, Ronnie Long.

Ronnie ‘Ron’ Long passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2026, after suffering a heart attack. He was in his 60s.

was a cherished member of the Virginia sports community and dedicated most of his life to serving as a wrestling coach, guiding youths in their athletic journey.

Coach Long joined Staunton River High School as the head wrestling coach in 2007 and guided the boys’ wrestling team to several victories for 10 years, retiring from his position in 2017.

During his tenure at Staunton River High School, his teams won eight consecutive Blue Ridge District Titles and finished in the top three of Region three times.

He also led his team in Staunton River’s first State Champion since 1978, and was named the Blue Ridge District great nine times.

Similarly, Ronnie was named the All-Timesland Coach of the Year in 2013.

For his remarkable journey and his contribution to the school’s wrestling family, Ronnie Long was inducted into Staunton River High School Athletic Hall of Fame in January 2026.

He was also inducted into the Roanoke Wrestling Association, and in 201,6 he was named the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Association Coach of the Year.

Additionally, Ron Long coached at the Ken Chertow Kids Wrestling Camp, and after retiring from his coaching career, he spent most of his time with his family.

The untimely death of Ronnie ‘Ron’ Long has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Coach and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Staunton River Wrestling shared a heartfelt post on social media that reads:

“Ronnie touched a lot of lives and will be missed, but his legacy will always live on. He was a big part of what helped Staunton River wrestling become what our school is known for.As you look down from Heaven onto all of the Mats you ever set foot upon, I hope you smile at the lives you have touched and the legacy you have left. May God place his hand on your shoulder and say, “Well done”.”

Coach Ronnie Long is Survived By His Longtime Wife, Linda, Son, Grandson, and The Entire Family

Ronnie Long was not just an amazing coach but also a great husband to his longtime wife, Linda Long, and a loving father and grandfather to his son, Ron Long Jr, and grandson.

Linda Long took to her social media to express her sorrow at losing her longtime husband, Ron Long, and wrote:

“My heart is crushed, I lost the love of my life my soulmate Ron was a loving caring soul who helped so many people in his life we are devastated please play for my family.”

In addition to his wife, son, and grandson, Ron Long is survived by his siblings, cousins, and the entire family.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Hannah Marie Long, who passed away on October 14, 2012, at an untimely age of 15 after a fatal car accident.

Ronnie Long’s family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.

His contribution to the Virginia sports community and his kind-hearted and helpful nature will always be remembered.

Also Read:

  • Check other Articles on

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

Related articles

May 8, 2026

May 7, 2026

May 6, 2026

May 5, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

    - May 8, 2026 What was supposed to be a normal Saturday of youth football quickly became something no parent, coach, or child should ever have to witness....

    - May 7, 2026 Jordan Haas a student athlete at Chatham University, passed away on Monday. He majored in psychology and was a member of the men's volleyball...

    - May 7, 2026 A routine shopping trip at the Adairsville Cracker Barrel turned into a deeply disturbing scene recently when a local woman witnessed what she described...

    - May 6, 2026 A student-athlete at Edinburg High School, Sebastian Garcia, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Sebastian was a member of the Edinburgh Runnin' Bobcats...

    - May 6, 2026 A former baseball coach with deep ties to the Geauga County sports community has been arrested and charged with the rape of a child,...