OAKWOOD, Ill. – Former Alexandria resident, Tracy Owen Long, 69, passed away on Jan. 4, 2023, at his residence following an extended journey with cancer.

He was born a twin to his brother Kenneth on April 6, 1953, to Leotas and Norma (Wheeldon) Long in Anderson.

Tracy was a graduate of Alexandria-Monroe High School, Class of 1971. He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute for two years and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta.

In 1966, Tracy and his twin brother, Kenny, were regular fixtures at the former Cox’s grocery store selling the GRIT newspaper for 25 cents of which they made a nickel profit. From that point on, Tracy fell in love with selling. In 1977, he took the Dale Carnegie Sales course and continued with that program for four years as an assistant instructor. He spent the rest of his career in sales and marketing, selling office equipment and telecommunication systems. Tracy loved the “art of the sale” and enjoyed making people laugh. He was quick with as quip to bring a light moment to serious times. Through his final battle with cancer, he brought smiles to the faces of those who visited him.

Survivors include a son, Owen K. (Molly) Long of Carmel; three brothers, Jay (Bonnie) Long of Alexandria, Ora Lee Long in California, twin brother Kenneth Long of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Hanna Scholl, Viktor Scholl, James Long and Oliver Long; his companion, Sandy McCarty and her children, Austin McCarty and Gabby McCarty; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sammy Bell; and brother, Lloyd Leotas Long.

The Long family will receive friends and family at a gathering time to honor Tracy’s life on his birthday, Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the Owens Funeral Home, 412 N. Harrison St., in Alexandria, from 2 to 4 p.m. Private inurnment services will take place following the visitation in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria.