In Memory of Andy

Andy was my good friend from high school youth group. We went to the same church and played in the church band together. Andy was a very talented musician.

Our church band, Psalms of Praise, even played at our church Tent Meetings.

I will miss you, Andy.

Asheville, NC – James Andrew "Andy" DeLong, loving husband, father and son, went to be with his Lord and Savior, whom he served faithfully, Wednesday, May 13, 2009.

Andy was the son of Billy Ray and Edith Morris DeLong of Asheville. He was born in Ft. Bragg, NC, and spent his childhood in Ashland, KY.

In addition to his parents, Andy is survived by his wife, Cheryl Tucker DeLong; his two sons, Joshua Andrew and Curt Nathaniel DeLong; his sisters, Cathy Gilkeson and her husband, Bob, of Asheville and Mella Trimble and her husband, Jim, of Pikeville, KY; four nieces and four nephews.

He is also survived by Cheryl's parents, William Terrell and Shirley Tucker of Chapel Hill, NC, his sister-in-law, Karen Tucker Marcus and her husband, Steve, and his good friend and business partner, Jeff Palmer.

Andy was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and a member of the orchestra. He was a member of the Hendersonville Swing Band, the Biltmore Brass and the Walnut Cove Men's Golf Assn.

He loved Cheryl, Josh and Curt with all his heart and he was a devoted son, family man and friend to many. His exuberance for life was contagious. He was an accomplished musician and businessman. He was generous to those in need and touched many lives. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday at Biltmore Baptist Church conducted by the Revs. Bruce Frank and J. Michael Brown.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 pm Friday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Exalt Music Ministry, Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704.