Bobby Long

Born to Henry and Verda Mae Long on September 30, 1937, in Minden, Louisiana, Bobby moved to El Dorado as a young man. He was a proud graduate of El Dorado High School and continued his education at Monticello A&M University. Following his studies, Bobby honorably served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.

On July 1, 1964, Bobby married the love of his life, Janice Camell, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Their union was one of deep faith, love and devotion. Bobby remained a faithful and active member of Holy Redeemer until his passing.

Bobby's professional journey began at Lion Oil Company in branded sales. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to purchase and operate Long Distributing Company, which he ran successfully for nearly three decades. After selling the business in the mid-1980s, Bobby enjoyed staying active by working part-time at Brookshire's Grocery Store until his retirement.

Bobby and Janice made their home in Norphlet for nearly 30 years, where they raised their three sons. He was a fixture at his sons' sporting events, never missing an opportunity to drive down the street or across the state to be with them and support them. His commitment to his children went beyond the stands as he spent several years coaching baseball to be closer to them.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Bobby was an avid fisherman and trapper as a young man, but hunting was definitely his favorite activity. He was always ready to hunt just about anything "at the drop of a hat" if his sons or nephews were involved, but deer hunting evolved into his clear favorite. He found his greatest joy spending time sitting in a deer stand in the woods at Kelley Deer Camp in Strong, where he was one of its original members.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Bettye Long McDougal.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice, his three beloved sons, Michael (El Dorado), Christopher (Dallas), and Brandon (Fayetteville).

A Holy Rosary Service will be held at Holy Redeemer on Thursday, January 15, at 5pm.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 16, at 10AM at Holy Redeemer. Following the service, Bobby will be laid to rest with a graveside service at Arlington Cemetery on Champagnolle Road in El Dorado. Honorary pallbearers are his beloved nephews Dave Holloway, Steve Holloway, John Holloway, Jeff Hollway and Reece Camell.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bobby's memory to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Long family.