On June 28th, 2026, David Walter Longley, 82, passed away peacefully in Marshall NC. He was born August 22, 1944, in Newburg N.Y. He was the son of Richard Vernon Longley, and Dorthea Loretta Burchase.

As a young adult, he lived in Florida, and Asheville NC. He graduated from AG Edwards High School. He attributed his development as a Botanical Illustrator to his Biology and Art teachers at the AG Edwards. At 17, his art was exhibited in the Asheville Art Museum at which time he was invited to become a member of the Rotary Club. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged in Sept 1965. He returned to Asheville and worked at the Billy Graham Radio Station helping in the mail room while continuing his artistic studies. Later, he spent time in Texas. There his illustrations for House Beautiful Magazine were published. In 1969, he moved to NY City where he worked for Coco Jewelry Co, Crompton and Ameritex fabrics, Hanes, Milliken, Singer Company, and the Bronx Opera. He moved to San Francisco in 1973. There, perfected watercolor illustrations of Bromeliads, and Orchids. He worked as a framer and for a short time opened a business. After he retired, he moved to Puerto Rico. He worked part time as a tour guide and continued his study and illustrations of the Rain Forest. His watercolor paintings are part of the permanent collection in the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentations in Pittsburg. He has collections in The Smithsonian Institution, and The Journal of Bromeliad Study Group of Northern California. He became an honorary member of the London Society of Botanical Illustrators. While in Puerto Rico, he studied the Santeria Religion. He gained the title of Santero Longley. After Hurricane Maria occurred in Puerto Rico, He returned to Asheville to continue his spiritual studies with the First Baptist Church of Asheville. His painting interests widened to illustrating Sacred Geometry designs.

David will be laid to rest in the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. There will be a graveside service on July 8th, 2026, following the burial.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.