Bob G. Long

Bob was born in Foster, Oklahoma, on April 6, 1932, to Claudie and Flossie Long. He graduated from Pernell High School with a class of 17 students. Shortly after graduation, he rode his Harley-Davidson to Oklahoma City Business College. His first job was selling drill bits for Hughes Tool Company in Oklahoma and Kansas.

In 1958, Bob married Jo Anne Koehler. Their marriage lasted 43 years until Jo’s passing in 2001. They welcomed two sons, Bruce and Chris, over the next few years. In 1960, Bob moved his young family to Birmingham, Alabama, after being transferred by Hughes Tool Company.

In September of 1966, Bob was hired by McDowell Contractors with the mission of starting a foundation drilling division from the ground up. Over the next 20 years, he helped grow McDowell into one of the largest drilling companies in the Southeast. During this time, he became very active in a new trade association, the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors (ADSC), serving in many roles and ultimately as president in 1976.

In 1985, Bob negotiated the purchase of the drilling division of McDowell Contractors from its parent company, McDowell Enterprises. A lifelong dream was realized when Bob and his partner, Jim Parks, completed the purchase and founded Long Foundation Drilling Company. The company continued to grow, eventually adding offices in Birmingham, AL; Columbia, SC; and Greensboro, NC.

Bob was deeply respected by many of his employees, whom he helped guide into a specialized part of the construction industry. He continued to work at Long Foundation for more than 20 years, mentoring Bruce and Chris along the way.

After retiring, Bob began a new chapter in his life. In October of 2004, he married Carole Scallorn, whose presence brought warmth and happiness to his retirement years. Their love for each other was evident from the beginning, and for the next 22 years they traveled extensively and enjoyed each other’s company.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his grandchildren—Austin, Allison, Bob, and Bradley—and loved babysitting them, insisting he wanted all of them at once. He was also delighted when his great‑granddaughter, Laurel, would visit him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Carole; his two sons, Bruce (Jill) and Chris (Libby); his four grandchildren, Austin, Allison, Bob (Carlie), and Bradley; his great‑granddaughter, Laurel; step-daughter, Terri Scallorn; step-son, Wes Scallorn and step-granddaughters, Hannah Griffth and Jennifer Scallorn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudie and Flossie Long; his sister, Normada Ivy (Alfred); his late wife, Jo Anne Long; his step-daughter, Jacqueline Green and his step-grandson, Gunner Griffith.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Visitation will continue on Thursday, August 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1:00 p.m.

Following the burial, the family invites you to join them for food, fellowship, and shared memories at the home of Chris and Libby Long: 509 General Kershaw Drive, Old Hickory, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Bob’s memory to:

Alive Hospice

1718 Patterson Street

Nashville, TN 37203

https://www.alivehospice.org