Kevin Lee Long

The youngest of six children, Kevin Lee Long was born on Saturday April 25, 1970, in Dallas, Texas at Methodist Hospital. He entered God’s magnificent care and everlasting love on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. As a curious and confident child Kevin sought and accepted God’s love in his life through the ministries of Carver Heights Missionary Baptist Church in Oak Cliff. His faith was extended through the devoted teachings of faith leaders at Dallas’ Eagle’s Nest Church. Kevin followed the Long family legacy by receiving his education through Dallas’ public school system. He thrived at R.L. Thornton Elementary School, Sarah Zumwalt Jr. High School and Hillcrest High School. Among his most treasured endeavors was his athletic training and pride in his participation on Hillcrest’s Panther football team. He was a 1989 graduate of David W. Carter High School. As a student, Kevin enjoyed learning new things and his creativity peaked in each field of interest. Kevin was pleased and appreciative when his efforts were acknowledged by others in Dallas’ Singing Hills and Oak Cliff communities. The youngest of the Long siblings had many aspirations in his 45 years of life, most profoundly for his family, his children and his willingness to share experiences connected to his love of outdoor life. Kevin thrived on fishing and the serenity it created for him -- both alone and with others. Kevin greatly appreciated the beauty of the world in all its forms that grew out of his close relationship with nature; it was one of the most treasured parts of his world and a special indulgence he loved to share with those who know and love him. He also treasured animals and wildlife and aspired to be a veterinarian offering love, care and assistance to personal pet species and their families. Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young once shared his “hope for my children must be that they respond to the still, small voice of God in their own hearts “in an autobiographic work. The legacy of Kevin -- or “KLong” as he was affectionately known by his children, family and friends -- shares in these hopes and prayers focusing on faith, happiness, increasing quality of life and heightened prosperity for his family through their love of the Lord. Kevin’s entrepreneurial and self-reliant spirit created opportunities to own several businesses, including KLong’s Trees and Landscaping and finding successes in KLong’s BBQ Catering as a barbecue chef and related catering events, reunions and parties. Kevin’s career also includes his work as a pit supervisor at RaceTrack Entertainment Complex. His work life included noted responsibilities at Apex Printing Company working under the guidance of his father. Each of the four Long brothers had an opportunity to share in this family tradition. Kevin’s surviving family, all of Dallas, includes his loving mother, Lennie Irene Norman-Long, his esteemed father, Henry Long, Jr., and five beloved children: K’Vante Long, Mauriah Long, Christian Long, Leeyah Long & Kevin Long, Jr. (“KJ”). He was extremely proud of the most recent addition to his legacy, a beautiful granddaughter, Myomii. His surviving, patient and loving siblings include Kathy Ann Long Dean, Cynthea Faye Long, and Carl Edward Long. Two brothers preceded him in death: Kenneth Dwain Long and Curtis James Long. Also surviving him are six wonderful nieces & four vibrant nephews: Orlando Payne, Curtis Long Jr., Tameka Woodard, Devia Wynne, Olivia Woodard, Christy Dean, Kemis Hancock, Nicholas Long, Devin Long & Sharayah Long. The yield of others mourning this tremendous loss holds a host of great nephews, great nieces, relatives and friends.