Franklin Darrell “Frank” Long was born February 22, 1950 in Whiteville, NC to the late James and Alene Long, and grew up in rural Columbus County.  After graduating high school, he attended Campbell College (Campbell University) graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry.  Frank worked for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Division for 30 years. In 1999 until presently, he has been teaching in the School of Pharmacy at Campbell University.

 

Frank is married to Linda Tyree Long and they have two married sons, Darrell and his wife Susan, who live in Grantham, NC and Jason (a Mason, Sudan Shriners and Sudan Racer) who resides in Lillington, NC. Frank and Linda are the proud grandparents of Taylor, Hayden, Ava, Cole and Kaylee Long.  Frank and Linda live in Buies Creek community and attend the Lillington United Methodist Church.

 

Working with youth has always been an interest for Frank and Linda, with the example of coaching youth sports for more than 20 years.  While their children were growing up and now that they have grandchildren, they try to stay active in school and summer youth programs.

 

Frank has been surrounded by Masonry all his life, influenced by his parents who were involved in the Blue Lodge, Shrine and Eastern Star.  At the age of 17, he joined the Order of Demolay and on June 9, 1975 he was raised a Master Mason in Lillington Lodge #302.  In 1981 and 1996, he was elected as Master of Lillington Lodge and has also served as secretary.  Frank is a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite and belongs to the 20th and 28th degree teams in the Scottish Rite. He has served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 20th Masonic District. He now serves on the Advisory Board of the newly chartered Knights of the Cape chapter of Demolay.  In 1986, Frank became a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court #145.

 

In November 1975, Frank began his shrine journey by crossing the “Hot Sands” in Durham.  On July 10, 1979, Potentate John Godwin appointed him president of the newly chartered Harnett County Shrine Club, serving in this capacity for two years.  Frank was elected secretary of the club in 1983 and served in that capacity for 25 years.

 

Frank is a charter member of the Sudan Racers and served as secretary/treasurer until 2008, when he was appointed Assistant Director by then Potentate Bobby Waller.  In 2010, Illustrious Sir Mike Farrell appointed him Director of Sudan Shriners after the election of Noble Buddy Shaw to the rank of Director Emeritus.

 

Noble Long is very excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve the nobility of Sudan and to continue the work of this great fraternity.