Willie "Bobby" Robert Long
Willie "Bobby" Robert Long, 74, of Hinton, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, following his birthday party celebrated with family.
Born on September 24, 1950, Bobby was the cherished son of Merlie (Sponaugle) Long of Rawley Springs and the late Harvey Jay Long. He lived a life marked by hard work and devotion to his family and faith.
Bobby worked at Maphis Chapman, Shickels, and Cargill until his well-earned retirement, forming lifelong friendships. He proudly attended Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, where his faith guided him. Bobby also served his country with honor in the U.S. Army, a chapter of his life he held with quiet pride.
He had a passion for the outdoors and found peace in the simple joys of life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, always ready for the next adventure in the woods. His love of gardening filled his garden with bountiful harvests, which he shared generously with friends and family.
Bobby found his soulmate in Betty (Varner) Long, his loving wife and constant companion.
In addition to Betty, Bobby is survived by his daughters, Misty Shaver and husband Bud, and Amy Fulk and her husband Josh. His grandchildren, Whittney Trump and her husband Jacob, Brooke Shaver, and Emma Fulk, were his pride and joy, lighting up his life in immeasurable ways. His sisters, Edna Roadcap, Emily Fitzgerald and her husband Ernest, and Glenna Gill, along with his many nieces and nephews, will forever remember him. Bobby was blessed with the faithful friendship of Stanley Payne, his lifelong friend who stood by his side through thick and thin. Their bond was a testament to the power of friendship, and Stanley's constant support was a source of strength and comfort to Bobby.
Bobby is reunited in heaven with his father, Harvey, his brothers, Willis "Rich" and Gary "Jed" Long, who preceded him in death.
A graveside service will be conducted at 1 PM on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, at the Rawley Springs Church Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating Bobby's life will follow at 2 PM at Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Stacey Meyerhoeffer officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial contributions be made to Mount Olive Presbyterian Church, 9148 Rawley Pike, Hinton, VA 22831 and/or Clover Hill Rescue Squad, 2100 Clover Hill Rd, Dayton, VA 22821.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sentara Hospice, Sentara Palliative Care, Carilion Clinic in Dayton, and Dr. Earl King for their compassionate care and support during Bobby's final journey.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Those wishing to leave a message of comfort or share a memory with the family are invited to visit johnsonfs.com.
