Chad Christopher Long, 25

LEWES - Chad Christopher Long, of Lewes, died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. He was 25. He is the beloved son of Chris and Susan (Reeves) Long and brother of Stephanie Long all of Lewes; beloved great-grandson of Mary R. Cole of Rehoboth Beach; beloved grandson of Dana Long of Milton; Gary and Kathy Long of Long Neck; Aaron and Nancy Reeves of Milton; Lynn and Jake Warrington of Rehoboth Beach; beloved nephew of Randy and Phyllis Long of Milton; Matt Long of Milton; Karen Reeves of Rehoboth Beach; and cousins galore. Born Feb. 17, 1983, Chad was a true "Sussex Countian." "Chad never knew a stranger." His passion for people, along with that winning smile, endeared him to all who knew him. The million dollar smile was his trademark, and with it were kind words he freely offered to everyone. Chad graduated from Cape Henlopen High School, class of 2001. He loved the Sussex County life style, the beaches, camping, good music, great food, and to do all these things with mom and dad, Steph, grandparents, cousins and new friends, "It didn't get much better than that!" Chad never hesitated to give a helping hand to any family member, new friends, or the ordinary people in his every day life. Chad was finally in his "element" working in the Electronics Department of the Georgetown Wal-Mart. He valued the friendships of his co-workers, the trust his new friends shared but at the top of his list was the devotion and love he had for his family, especially mom, dad and Steph. Family is what Chad was all about. In Chad's brief 25 years, he established legacy showing us how powerful a smile and a kind word can be, even life changing. Chad was predeceased by his great-grandmother, Joan Downes; great-grandmother, Linda Long; and great-grandparents, Edgar G. Cole, Sr. and Milton Long. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, in Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. Keith Offen officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Rehoboth Presbyterian Church of Midway, 19075 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted by Rehoboth Presbyterian Church of Midway, 19075 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Send online condolences to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.