Surrounded by his family Robert Charles Long (Boats) passed away on May 19, 2016 in Jacksonville, FL at the age of 66 after battling lung disease. Bob was born on July 29, 1949 in Lansing, MI, to Arthur Benton Long & Marguerite Lorene Chapman, who are both predeceased. He grew up in a large family of 6 sisters and 2 brothers.
He joined the US Navy in June of 1968, serving with great pride and honor. Bob married Mary Jane Lee on December 26, 1970. They lived in Long Beach, CA where he was assigned aboard the USS Cacapon from 1968-1972. He then served from 1972-1978 in the US Navy Reserves. In 1978 he was assigned to SIMA in Mayport, FL where he served until 1980. He was assigned to the USS Forrestal stationed out of Mayport, FL where he served until 1986. In 1986 he transferred to SIMA at Mayport, FL and served there until he retired from the US Navy in 1989. He received many distinguished awards, medals, and commendations during his lengthy career with the Navy. He visited many ports and countries around the globe.
In 1989 he went to work for the NYC Mission Society Camps in Dover Plains. He left NY in 1995 and moved to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to his new grandson, son, and daughter-in-law. He worked in a supervisory position from 1995-1998. In 1998 an injury caused him to become disabled and during this time the VA determined him to be 100% disabled. Since 1998 he has battled one illness after another, surviving each episode with strength and courage.
He loved spending time with & teaching his grandchildren many life lessons. He loved to fish, was a lover of life and was the life of the party. He was always up for an adventure. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane Long of 45 years; son Robert (Jennifer) Long; daughter Sarah (Liam) Gannon; grandchildren, Andrew & Alex Long, Kyle & Kaitlyn Gannon; brother Gordon Long; sisters Marilyn Williams, Carolyn Taylor, June Squires, Janice Courter, Connie Legg & Ardith Walter; many nephews and nieces; many military and local friends. He is predeceased by his brother Arnold Long. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday May 26, with visitation at 6pm and funeral service at 7pm, in the Naugle Funeral Home Chapel, 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL, 32207. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org .
