Robert B. (Bobby) Long, Sr.

Robert B. (Bobby) Long, Sr., 82, went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2025, in Tyler, TX. Born

December 12 ,1942, in Jacksonville, TX, to Verner James Long and Sydna Dodd Long, Bobby grew up and attended school in Rusk. He was a member of the Rusk High School Class of 1961 and a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University. Bobby and his wife, Patti, moved to Tyler in 1991. He was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Chandler, TX where he served as a greeter and usher beginning in 1996 and as acolyte for the traditional worship service in recent years. Bobby retired from Rusk State Hospital after 26 years of service and from Henry & Peters, P.C. after 15 years.

A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Bobby enjoyed reminiscing, sharing childhood memories and family stories, and "occasionally" talking about football games from his high school days. His children always knew he supported them in their activities, whether coaching Rob and Brad’s baseball and soccer teams or driving Lesley and her friends to cheer for the Rusk teams.

Certainly one who enjoyed the simpler things in life, Bobby was known to watch episodes of

Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show repeatedly, saying the stories and characters never grew old. He did not like being the center of attention, was still prone to blushing, was often described as humble and kind, and was said to be “the nicest person I ever met” by some long-time friends as well as ‘new’ friends he made in his later years. He also loved traveling, and he and Patti took frequent trips after his retirement including many destinations in the U.S., the east and west coasts of Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Channel Islands, and France.

Predeceased by his father, Verner James Long; mother, Sydna Dodd Long; stepmother, Charlene Chapmon Long; and brother, Verner James Long, Jr..

Bobby is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patti; son Rob and wife Kerry Long of Longview; daughter Lesley and husband Phil Rodasti of Cypress; son Brad and wife Jen Long of Dallas; daughter by marriage Sinclaire Estes of Leander, daughter by marriage Macklin and husband Tim Cahill of Austin; and grandchildren Megan Long, Austin Long, and Kaegan Cahill. Siblings: sister Lila Jean and husband David Murray of Rusk, sister Judy Faye and husband Kelly Garner of Rusk, sister Rose Mary Gould of Jacksonville; sister-in-law Glenda Long of Rusk; brother-in-law Richard Edwards of Pearland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at First Methodist Church, 507 N. Broad St., Chandler, TX 75758 with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Methodist Church of Chandler.