Obituary: Robert Roy Long

Roy went to his Heavenly home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday evening, Sept. 16, 2024 after a hard-fought illness. He was born to Melba (nee Crouse) and Bob Long in Hamilton, Ohio on Aug. 2, 1952. He was a 1970 graduate of Talawanda High School. On February 16, 1973, he married the love of his life, Sharon Adkins.

He was a lifelong farmer in Oxford Township. He and Sharon raised their two daughters along with their livestock and crops.

Roy was a man of faith, which he showed each spring by planting seeds and nurturing them until harvest. He spent six years serving his country in the United States National Guard. He served on the Butler County Farm Bureau Board, The Talawanda FFA Chapter Advisory Board, and a deacon at his church for years. He was a member of the Talawanda FFA Alumni.

So many people were precious to Roy and he will be deeply missed by treasured family and friends. He is the beloved husband of Sharon (nee Adkins) Long for 51 years; devoted father of Melissa (Matt) Gillespie and Michelle (Adam) Miller; cherished grandfather of Ryan Gillespie and McKenna Gillespie; all of Oxford, Ohio; his faithful friend and "Tennessee Son" John (Keisha) Carroll of LaFollete Tn; and brother of four siblings.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Kenneth and Edna Adkins, and his grandmother Ruth Long, who was like a mother to him. 

The family would like to sincerely thank Roy's care team during his illness, especially Dr. Adhami and all the nurses that became like family; and to everyone that has supported us this past year with prayers and love and acts of kindness.

This obituary was originally published on the website of Paul R. Young Funeral Home and has been edited for length.