During his journey to the Shanyue territories, Ling Tong passed by his hometown and stopped there for a visit. He treated the townsfolk with the utmost respect and humility even though he had achieved fame and glory. He died of illness on the return journey at the age of 28. When Sun Quan heard of Ling Tong's death, he was filled with grief for several days. In recognition of Ling Tong's contributions to his regime, Sun Quan ordered Zhang Cheng to write a eulogy for Ling Tong.(... 過本縣，步入寺門，見長吏懷三版，恭敬盡禮，親舊故人，恩意益隆。事畢當出，會病卒，時年四十九。 ... 權聞之，拊牀起坐，哀不能自止，數日減膳，言及流涕，使張承為作銘誄。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
