Rodney Ray Long

Rodney Ray Long, age 66, of Merrillville, IN passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. He was born on May 6, 1956, to William H. and Lorene (Swinson) Long Jr., in Hammond, IN. His family loved to spend time with him, just as much as he liked to make memories with them. Dinner with his mother Lorene, and Aunt Emily were part of his routine. Morning walks, sharing his political views, cookouts, long telephone calls to catch up with family also made up his routine. Rodney liked to tinker around and fix things. His career as a steel worker allowed for him to create a homemade crank shaft so that his boat had an easier time attaching to his truck. Fishing was his happy place. Helping others was a part of his vocabulary, whether that was listening, giving advice, or sharing his handy secrets, he was your go to guy for help. His infectious smile, plethora of selfies, and love of country music will forever be missed by his loving family. Rodney is survived by his daughter, Jackie (Jackie Bloodworth) Long; mother, Lorene Long; sister, Dilene (David) Wright; aunts Emily Swinson and Junita Swinson, stepdaughter, Belinda Crownover; granddaughters, Chelsea Shinkle and Breanna (Fulton Tyler) Jenkins; grandsons, Austin Sheppard, Calvin Kovach, Coty Shinkle, Nicholas Long; great granddaughter's, Emma Joy Solzman and Isabella Long; great grandson Elijah Alan Jordan Jenkins; nephews, Zachary (Stephanie) Wright, James (Jaime) Long; great-nephew, Alex Long; Conner Wright and great -niece, Emily Long. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Joy Long; son, Jeremy Wayne Long; father, William H. Long Jr; and two brothers, Michael Long and Robert Wayne Long. A public visitation for Rodney will be held Monday, February 6, 2023, from 400 PM to 8:00 PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Rd, Highland, Indiana 46322. Friends and family may also gather on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 11AM until the time of the funeral service beginning at 12:30PM. Pastor Randy Harrison will be officiating. Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 8178 Cline Ave., Crown Point, Indiana 46307. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Long family.