John Long

John Presley Long left this earth on February 10, 2018, after a long battle with dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnosed in August, 2012, John spent years valiantly battling both diseases, overcoming multiple obstacles on this journey before finally succumbing.

John’s life began January 29, 1926, in Beaumont, Texas. Born to John and Effie Long, John spent his growing-up years attending public school, making good grades and riding his bike every morning as a paperboy to contribute to family finances. In junior high and high school, John played football and excelled in basketball. John had a close, loving relationship with his older sister, Martha Jane Long Babin (deceased). After completing his formal education with a degree in marketing and business, John served in the Merchant Marines, married and became the father of John Presley Long, Jr. (deceased) and Robert Keith Long.

Professionally, John began working in the steel business in 1956. In 1961, he joined United States Steel Corporation, Supply Division, advancing through the ranks before partially retiring in 1988 as Executive Vice-President and CEO of USS Service Center Chain managing thirty-seven national locations. He continued consulting with USS for two years in charge of their southern area service center locations and consulted for all locations. In 1990, he fully retired, moved to Houston, and started a private consulting business, i.e., Sales Growers, Inc., utilizing Focused Selling, a selling system (copyrighted and published) that he developed and marketed to companies in the United States and Canada to enhance company sales. He maintained his consulting business until he was diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. One of John’s greatest joys and pleasures in life was playing golf which he did throughout his adult life, especially when associated with USS. His skill level reportedly was outstanding.

John is survived by his wife, Dr. Patricia Martinez Long; Robert Keith Long (son); Regina Cox (niece); Gregory Cox (great- nephew) and wife, Stephanie; Whitney Campbell (great-nephew) and wife, Martha; two grandchildren, Daniel Pierce Long and Summer Leigh Long; two great-great nephews, William and Bryant Campbell.

Special thanks to all the physicians and many wonderful caretakers who loved and cared for John during his time of illness for the last several years.

A graveside service for Mr. Long will take place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 12, 2018, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.