Sherman Amos Long

As a student at Lowell High School, he met the love of his life, Charlotte, and was offered a football scholarship at Western Carolina. Instead, Bob chose to join the United States Navy and, as he joked, be a “bubblehead” while exploring the world. He served as an engineer onboard the USS Tingey 539 and USS Madrigal (SS480). After completion of his service with an honorable discharge and several medal awards, he and Charlotte married and went on to have 4 children. The high school sweethearts celebrated 57 years together before Charlotte’s passing one year to the day of Bob’s passing, July 7.

While raising 4 children, he attended Belmont Abbey College, NC State University and graduated with a degree from Gaston College. After over 35 years of service Bob retired as a Transportation Area Manager from Burlington Industries and relocated back to Gaston County. Bob could not just putter around the house. He began working part time in the pro shop at Catawba Creek Golf Club, making great friends and being around one of his favorite pastimes. Bob also had a passion for restoring classic cars, antiquing with his late wife, loving his animals dearly, playing the guitar and creating a beautiful yard.

Bob will be remembered by his children for his quick wit, love of a good joke and generous heart. No one will enjoy his favorites of fried chicken, pizza with extra cheese or banana pudding made by Mom’s recipe without thinking of him.

After a long fight battling both illnesses, Bob’s heart became tired and his body weak. He has now left his sick body and his soul has gone to heaven to reunite with his beloved wife, departed friends, family and pets, and his Lord and Savior. Our hope is that he gets to meet 2 of his favorite musicians; Johnny Cash and Chet Atkins. We can only imagine his joy!

Left to cherish his memory are one daughter: Connie Long of Gastonia; three sons: Joseph “Joe” Long and wife, Linda of Dallas, Mark Long and wife, Susan of Oak Island, Michael “Mike” Long of Dallas; two grandchildren: Heather Hovis and Meredith Long; and his special four legged friend “Mitzi”. Mr. Long was the son of the late Henry Sherman Long and Minnie Fields Long. He is also survived by his sister, Jeannean Laws, of Fayetteville, NC.

A celebration of his life will be held at the graveside on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Gaston Memorial Park with Military Honors from the United States Navy and Gaston Honor Guard. Reverend Perry Huffstetler will preside. All are invited to a reception following the committal to be held at Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia.

The family will receive friends at Carothers Funeral Home from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, one hour prior to the graveside service.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com

Carothers Funeral Home in Gastonia is honored to serve the Long family.