Longfellow, Harold Wadsworth
6/28/2006
HAROLD WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
OCTOBER 27, 1927 - JUNE 28, 2006
Harold Longfellow was born October 27, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois and died on June 28, 2006 in Waynesboro, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Allena J. Longfellow, an English professor at LSU-S. He is survived by his sons, Philip and Jonathan; a daughter, Rebecca; a sister, Nina; two grandsons, Philip, Jr. and Jesse; and three granddaughters, Rachel, Allena, and Alice.
Harold began his ministry in the Texas Conference. He moved to the Virginia Conference where he served churches in the Charlottesville District. In the mid-1960's he moved to the Louisiana Conference where he served at Doyline, Sibley, Wynn Memorial, and Epps. He retired from the Louisiana Conference and spent a lot of time traveling. In his retirement he also became interested in genealogy and enjoyed working on his family tree.
When I think of my father, the phrase, "Practice what you preach," comes to mind. What he said in the pulpit, he did his best to practice in his daily life. Whether it was regular tithing, serving others through support of missionaries and going on mission trips, reaching out to youth and children through youth group activities and camp, or giving clothes to people who needed them, he practiced what he preached. Giving of time, talents, clothes, and money seemed to come natural to him. He continued to reach out to others just months before he died by making a final mission trip to Dulac, Louisiana, to help in the recovery effort following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Some will remember him for his sermons; some will remember him for his sense of humor; others will remember his involvement in mission work; and many will remember him for his love of fried chicken. His grandchildren will remember him as "Booger", but to me he will always just be Daddy. He helped me to be the person I am today and he gave me many memories and stories which I will treasure and share with others. I give thanks to God for his life and example.
Rebecca Longfellow Wagner
Source: Louisiana Conference Journal, 2007; p. 257.
