Robert James Long, Sr.

Robert James Long Sr., 76, died Sunday, May 29, 2016 in Marietta, GA following a lengthy illness. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Christine (Digby) Long; his son, Robert James Long Jr. (Sarina); his daughters, Wendy Bryan (Mike), Samantha Long (Darrell Sanders), Lindsay Simmons (Dennis); his grandchildren, who he loved more than anything, Benjamin Bryan, Shayla Knight, Tre' Knight, Levi Long, and Elliott Simmons; and a sister, Pam Hane (Bob) of Ocala, Fl., and 10 nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Miami, Fl., the son of the late, James A. and Olive (Winslow) Long. His parents moved to the Atlanta area when he was 16 years old. He met the love of his life, and they were married November 2, 1962. He joined the US Navy and served from 1962-1967 as a barber on the USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25). While serving on the USS Bainbridge, he took part in Operation Sea Orbit, the first nuclear powered task force that made a round the world cruise in mid-1964 without stopping to refuel. He then worked as a manager at the New England Oyster House in St. Petersburg, Fl, until he started with Southern Railway in Atlanta, GA. He retired in 2001 after 30 years. He became ill starting in 2006, and received a liver transplant in 2009. He then began suffering from Parkinson's Disease and dementia, and finally passed away in hospice. A private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heritage Hospice Foundation at 3315 Hilltop Dr. Marietta, GA 30066.