Bobby Long

Robert Mayes (Bobby) Long, 75, died February 17, 2011 . His life was defined by his love of family, his love for his farm, his kindness and generosity to others, and his integrity. A memorial service will be held on Monday February 21 ^st at 3pm , St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church , Broad River Rd. , with visitation immediately following the service. Interment will be on Monday February 21 ^st at 11am, at Silverstreet Lutheran Church Cemetery .

Born in Boston , Mass. , May 3, 1935 , he returned with his family to their hometown of Silverstreet , SC in early childhood. He attended Newberry College , but after the death of his grandfather, his education was cut short to take over the farming operation of the family farm. Soon after, he began dairy farming as well as crop farming. He was named Newberry County “Young Farmer of the Year” in 1960, President of the Pee Dee Milk Producer’s Association, and Captain of the Silverstreet Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Silverstreet Lutheran Church , serving on church council, and as youth leader. After years of drought and high interest rates, he pursued his vision for his property on Lake Murray and founded Saluda River Resort, which he operated for 14 years. During this tim e he served as Treasurer of SC Campground Association, and co-founded Capital City Lake Murray Tourism Association. In 1981, he joined the real estate team of Gordon/Gallup, later becoming branch manager/broker for Gallup and Associates, St. Andrew’s branch. In 1991, he purchased a Re/Max franchise and founded Re/Max Metro and Associates, where he remained broker/owner until 2000. He continued in property management for RE/Max until Jan. 2011. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church , Columbia , where he served on church council, taught adult Sunday School, and was a member of Lutheran Men.

In addition to his wife of 31 years, Sybil Nobles Long, he is survived by two sons, one daughter, two step sons, one step daughter, 9 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Dean Long (Kay) of Mechanicsville, VA; Ray Long (Angela) of Mauldin, SC; Lisa Long Reiss (Dan) of McKinney, TX; Clifton Courtney (Mary) of Palm Dale, CA; Jeffery Courtney (Melissa) of Chapin; Carla Courtney of Columbia; and a sister, Betty Coker (Lenich) of Turbeville, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Osborne Long and Myrtle Long of Silversteet, and a brother Donald Long of Columbia .

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Lift Fund or Silverstreet Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.

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