Nov 5, 2010
Jerry Long Dies, Leaves Lasting LegacySource: WInston-Salem Journal

Jerry Long, co-owner of L.A. Reynolds Garden Showcase and the former president of RJ Reynolds Tobacco, died Wednesday at the age of 82, reports Richard Carver of the Winston-Salem Journal. Long died from two diagnoses related to Parkinson’s disease, according to his son, Mike. He had been ill for several months.

In the latter half of 1991, Long took 90 percent ownership of the popular garden center – co-owning it with sons Mike and Ken. Jerry Long served as president of the Winston-Salem tobacco company from 1982 to 1986, and served as county commissioner for Forsyth County. and owned the L.A. Reynolds Garden Showcase.

“Jerry’s passing is the end of an era. He did a lot for the community — a lot of things people are not aware of,” said Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dave Plyler. “His interest was primarily in education and in improving the economy.”

Click here to learn more about Long’s lasting legacy.