Calvin Duane Long, born July 24, 1945 in Hammond, La., died March 28, 2010, after a two-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his family at home in Fairhope.
He was the first of four children to Opal and Buddy Long. After losing his father at the age of 12, he grew-up quickly with the love of his dedicated mother and extended family.
As a hotshot basketball star and scholar, he fell in love at 18 and married Dotti Long who would be his love through 43 wonderful years.
He raised his family and developed countless friendships in Pensacola, Charlotte, Savannah, Charleston, Gulf Breeze, and Fairhope.
He was remarried in 2008 to the lovely Brenda Gates whom he cherished.
He served people throughout his life, beginning with his naval service during the Vietnam War through long lasting personal and professional relationships, maintained to the end, he was a man marked by a high sense of integrity and honor, establishing a lasting legacy to be born with thanksgiving by all fortunate to have known him.
Psalm 91:14-16: “Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him … I will show him My salvation.”
Survivors include his wife Brenda Long; two daughters, Teresa (Coby) Bland of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Amy (Paul) Rhyne of Irmo, S.C.; four sons, Buddy (Heather) Long of Greer, S.C, Joseph (Amanda) Long of Fairhope, Keuler and Trenton Gates of Fairhope; brother, David (Sheila) Long; two sisters, Janice (Jerry) Miller and Donna (Sparky) Riddick; 14 grandchildren, Zachary, Caroline, Jake and Scott Bland; Calvin, Wilson, Anna Claire, Lauren and Bobby Long; Paul, Sarah Elizabeth, and Emma Grace Rhyne; Abby Kate and Mac Long.
Visitation was held Wednesday, March 31 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope. Graveside services were held Thursday, April 1 at Montrose Cemetery.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Grace Fellowship Church, c/o 20755 Lacey Road, Silverhill, AL 36576, or Covenant Hospice, 1040 Stanton Road Suite D, Daphne, AL 36526.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope.
