Anthony Kent Long

Anthony Kent Long (Tony) was born on July 19, 1958, in Mobile, Alabama and was raised in Grand Bay, Alabama. He initially attended St. Margaret’s Catholic Elementary School. As a kid he loved to swim, fish, run track and field and play soccer. He then attended Mobile County High School, where he played the trumpet in the band. Following high school graduation, he majored in history at the University of South Alabama and was the Fire Chief for the volunteer Fire Dept. in Grand Bay for many years. He coached Eric and Kris throughout T-ball and youth baseball, and ultimately was President at GBUAA while also being co-owner and manager of the Dolphin Swim Club in Grand Bay. Work wise, he was the Superintendent of St. Elmo Water Works for 30 years, before working at Grand Bay Water Works for the final 14 years of his career until he retired in 2023. Tony loved Auburn football. So much so that he often rocked his kids to sleep while singing the Auburn fight song. He always wore his lucky hat on game day. He would cut his hair the day before the game and had several superstitions he hoped his family would follow. Thankfully he was able to watch Auburn destroy Alabama A&M by a score of 73-3 the Saturday before he passed. He was extremely devoted to family-especially Eric and Elyse-and made them laugh with his dad jokes, eye rolls, and quirky nicknames he gave everyone he loved. While he always made everyone laugh, his family knew that in a serious situation he would be there with absolutely no hesitation. He was the perfect husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend and will be dearly missed. He would always do anything for anyone without ever expecting anything in return. His family was his entire world and he was a role model to all. He is survived by his wife of 28 years Sheryl Long; his son Eric Long and daughter Elyse Long; stepdaughters Jessica Hartley and Casey Garrett; Stepson Kris Hartley; Grandkids Hannah Poulson, Layla Byrd, Alex Long, Blake Long, Ashlynn Nelson, Parker Hartley, Emma Long, and Khale Dearborn; Great-Granddaughter Lydia Kent Hester (named after Tony); and siblings Nancy (Jerry) Williams, Buddy (Jacquie) Long, Noel (Sharron) Long, and Melissa (Rich) Kerns. Family Visitation will be on Saturday September 7, 2024 from 10am-11am and Public Visitation will be from 11am-1pm. The service and burial will follow shortly thereafter. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the following: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Lupus Foundation of America Going forward, Tony will now forever have the best seat in the house at Jordon-Hare Stadium for every single Auburn home game. War Damn Eagle!

Tributes

Anthony Kent Long

July 19, 1958 - September 2, 2024