Joseph Longley, Sr.

1958 ~ 2021

Date of Death: May 24, 2021

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Longley family. Joseph’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Joseph Dominic Longley, Sr.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

Minister Joseph D. “Nicky” Longley, Sr., 63, of Fort Smith, Arkansas entered eternal rest in his home on Monday, May 24, 2021. Joseph was born in Fort Smith on February 14, 1958 to Leland, Sr. and Frances Longley the tenth of twelve children.

Joseph graduated from Northside High School in 1976 where he played football and basketball and was beloved by many. He attended Xavier University, but later transferred to Louisiana Bible College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology. While living in New Orleans, he met the love of his life, Annette Tilton-Longley. Together they had six children and nine grandchildren. Sadly, Annette passed away in October of 2014 after 32 years of marriage. Joseph was a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, an insurance salesman, a suit salesman, owned a lawn company and co-owned a daycare with his wife. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bulls. Joseph loved God and was a light in a world of darkness to many. He had an uncanny way of making everyone feel loved. He really loved his children and made them all feel like they were his favorite. He remembered everyone’s birthday and always had a gift waiting. He loved to dance, have fun and make everyone laugh. He attended as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s games, track meets, recitals and awards ceremonies as he possibly could. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and wanted to be present for everything. He was a good man, a great friend, and the best father. There is really no way to express how much he will truly be missed.

Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Annette Longley; his mother, Frances Longley; his father, Leland Longley, Sr.; and his brother, Leland Longley, Jr.

Joseph is survived by his two sons, Joseph Longley, Jr. of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Joshua Longley of Norman, Oklahoma; four daughters, Alicia Smith of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Sarah Tinsley of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Raven Jones of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Javona Longley of Fort Smith, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; ten siblings and a host of other family members and friends.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, June 4, 2021, from 11:00am to 7:00pm at Rowell-Parish Mortuary.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 5, 2021, 11:00am at New Covenant International Christian Church, 4400 North N Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.

Committal service and final resting place will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas.