Douglas Gaylord Long

     Douglas Gaylord "Doug" Long, age 67, of Ovid, MI, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital, Lansing, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, with Pastor Kathy Keck-Leydorf officiating. Burial will follow at Fairfield Township Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation for Doug and his mother Shirley will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M and on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 4-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.
     Doug was born in Flint, Michigan on May 6, 1958, the son of Gaylord Leslie and Shirley Geraldine (Seelhoff) Long. Doug graduated from Ovid-Elsie High School with the class of 1976. He went on to obtain his teaching degree from Central Michigan University.
     Doug worked at Ovid-Elsie Schools as a physical education teacher for the elementary schools, retiring in 2025. Doug dedicated his life to teaching and coaching. He coached girls basketball, girls volleyball and 42 years as a track coach. Throughout his coaching career he coached many state athletes. Doug enjoyed gardening and selling produce in his roadside stand. He liked attending his nieces & nephews sporting events. Doug will be remembered as a dedicated son and an avid MSU fan.
     He is survived by his brothers David and Sally Long of Elsie, Dennis and Carolyn Long of Elsie, sister Debra Long of Elsie, nieces and nephews: Mike (Valerie) Long, Amy (Brad) Long-Carman, Christi Stenger, Brad (Kerri) Long, Travis (Sandy) Long, and Heidi (Randy) Uresti; 14 great nieces and nephews: Cayleb, Dylan, Braxton, Nicholas, Myah, Ellyanna, Hunter, Owen, Oliver, Emmylou, Griffin, Mitchell, Grace, and Ian and a great-great nephew on the way. He is also survived by special friend LaMont.
     He was preceded in death by his father Gaylord Long, his mother Shirley passed away 15 hours after him and sister Darlene.
     Memorials may be made to A Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.