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, 2025, after suffering a heart attack. He was in his 60s.
Ronnie Long 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 2025.
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.”
Linda Long
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.
