My father, Robert E. Long JR
Born July 7, 1932
Died July 31, 2009
The past few weeks have been really tough and I pray you will be patient with me as I try to share with you a few special thoughts about my dad. We are here today to celebrate his life and his legacy through God’s grace.
There are so many things I would like to say about my dad, but too little time to fit them in. My wife tells me that I like to be way too detailed, but I will try not to drag this out too long. By the way my dad was a stickler for details!
I was reflecting about what passage of scripture did my dad’s life most remind me of. Don’t get me wrong, I know my dad was a sinner saved by grace like any other man, but he was special. He was my dad! I began to think about the passages about husbands, then fathers, and many of them fit, but the one God brought to my mind was John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” That is what I saw in my dad’s life.
My dad was a man of love.
+ I didn’t realize for much of my life how rare that was. The way he loved my mom, the way he loved his family, the way he made so many feel loved each and every day.
+ He was an affectionate man. I loved his hugs and kisses. I grew up watching him shower my mother with loving affection. Many others have shared how he made them feel so special through his hugs and words of encouragement. I remember the first time my wife Wendy met my dad he grabbed her and gave her a big hug. She later shared that is was the most special thing since her dad didn’t hug her like that.
My dad was caring.
+ He was always looking out for others. He wanted things to be right for others. Even on his death bed his worries and concerns were for us and those who came to see him.
+ This celebration is another way he thought about others. He wanted this to be a party. He wanted us to remember and celebrate his life and not feel bad about his death. He wanted to celebrate him going to be with the Lord and feeling no pain and being made new.
+ He liked to serve wherever he saw a need. He served:
o The church through numerous committees and councils, helping many friends and families
o The community through the PS city council, Sweet water Camp, and Austell Gas Company
o The nation through 19 years of service in the Naval Air Reserves.
o The schools through years of dedicated service through booster club and even carrying the chains at the football games.
o His family through many worrisome nights and trials
My dad believed in doing your best!
+ He always tried to do his best and expected you to do the same. He always wanted your best effort and your best attitude.
+ He would say, “If something is worth doing its worth doing right!”
+ I remember a soccer match when I was younger that my dad didn’t think I was giving it my all. He came down to the sidelines during half time and was really clear that If I didn’t pick it up and do my best in the second half he was going to come out on the field and whip my butt, and you all know he would have!
My dad was a straight shooter, a man of his word.
+ Dad always sought to tell it like it is, at least the way he saw it.
+ If he told you something you could bank on it.
+ If he said I’ll do it, he would.
+ You could always count on him!
+ He was direct. He was not in to beating around the bush.
My dad was a tough fighter!
+ He wouldn’t give up! And he didn’t scare easy.
+ He knew what he wanted or thought was best and he would fight for it!
+ And you know exactly what I mean if you ever found yourself on the other side!
+ You can believe we have. Am I right brothers?
My dad was wise.
+ He had great insight and discernment.
+ He had an incredible knack to see what needed to be done and make sure it happened.
+ He was a man of action. He didn’t just believe in talking about it. He liked results!
+ He had a critical eye – he would size things up quickly and was usually right on the money
My dad had a great sense of humor and quick wit.
+ To know him was to love him!
+ You never knew what he was going to do or say.
+ It was always a terror bringing a date to the house for the first time. You never knew what he was going to say. “That’s not the one you brought by last week!” or some other embarrassing remark!
+ He loved to play and joke around yet could be so serious.
+ He was recently sharing about what he used to do to my poor nephew Rusty.While out shopping, if he noticed a pretty young girl walking in the parking lot, he would drive up beside her roll down my nephew's window and while holding the button so Rusty could not roll it up, say, "have you met my grandson Rusty? He thinks you are beautiful!"
+ Even as he lay in the hospital these past two weeks he was cracking us up with his zingers and fun loving way.
My dad was a great encourager.
+ He always wanted to see people do and be their best.
+ He had a wonderful way to make you feel special.
+ So many of you shared with me that he was always such an encouragement. That he made you feel important and set such a great example. Thank you for sharing these precious memories with us!
+ My dad was an example/blessing/help
+ If I could ever become half the father and husband he was it will be a blessing to my family and the Kingdom of God.
My dad left a legacy.
+ He loved deeply as Jesus loved him. He left no doubt of his love! Children express things so well and directly sometimes. My son John made his grandfather a card telling him he loved him and wanted him to get well soon and come home. On the card John drew a picture of himself and a picture of Dah. Under his picture he wrote, “John loves Dah!” under Dah’s picture he wrote, “Dah loves John!” He never questioned his Dah’s love!
+ These past few weeks were some of the most difficult for Dad, yet he constantly expressed his love for us. Even the last words I remember him saying were, “I love you!”
+ His loving wife, my mom, who lives knowing God’s love more deeply through Dad
+ His children – four boys who are seeking to love and serve like their father before them and one very special daughter who was glad to see him last Friday morning when he got to heaven to be with her there!
+ 13 grandchildren that he was so proud of and bragged on them often
+ 10 great grandchildren and one on the way that made him go soft just to have them sit on his lap
+ Many lives he touched through the church
+ Many lives he touched through the years with bank
+ Many lives he touched through the years on the Gas board
+ So many lives touched that I can’t begin to list them now!
+ People knew he cared and people felt the love of Jesus through him.
My dad, he will be sorely missed!
I love you Papa!
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