Funeral Service: 2:00PM Saturday May 12, 2012
Location: Southern Hills Baptist Church 8601 S Penn

Ralph L. Long went to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 10, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was 81 years old. Ralph was born November 22, 1930 to Paul and Olive May (McDowell) Long. Ralph lost his mother and baby sister during child birth at the age of 4.He and his brother were raised by his father, grandmother and many loving aunts. He was raised in the Stratford, area and attended high school in Norman, Oklahoma. They had a rough life but a life filled with love for family and the Lord. Ralph trusted the Lord as his personal savior as a teenager and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Newcastle. After a year of college he served his country as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Marine Corps Platoon 304 in 1952. After leaving the Marines, he and his brother started a farm and ranching operation in south central Oklahoma, east of Pauls Valley in the small community of Walker. Ralph and Dana (Barrington) Long raised four sons, Rex, Roy, Randal, and Russell. Ralph was very active in his community with Junior Farm Bureau, winning many awards including being named 1965 Garvin County Farm Family of the year. Ralph received the Bankers Award for his outstanding soil and water conservation improvements. He was also very active with his boys in 4-H and FFA. In his early church work in the Walker community, he taught junior boys and served on many committees as well as the Walker School Board, the Fire Department, and the Baptist Church. Ralph later married Billie Clare (Jeffries) Coats in a small ceremony in Norman, OK To their marriage Billie brought 5 sons, Greg, Jeff, Byron, Bill, and Dale. In 2002, Ralph and Billie moved to Oklahoma City where they joined Southern Hills Baptist Church and their family grew beyond measure. They were able to travel to many exciting places around the world and again their family of friends grew. Ralph never met a stranger and always opened his home to anyone who could "spend the night". His life of serving the Lord and his family never faltered. Ralph's word was his bond. Ralph taught all that knew him, a man has only one thing he is in control of and that is his word.

Ralph was preceded in death by his:
Father Paul Long;
Mother, Olive Long;
Sister, Helen;
Brother, Joe Long;
Son, Roy Long;
Step-sons: Dale and Jeff Coats.

He leaves behind his:
Wife, Billie and his best 4-legged friend, Dollie;
3 Sons and their wives: Rex and Kathy Long, Randal and Angie Long, Russell and Debbie Long;
3 Step-sons and their wives: Greg and Stephanne, Bill and Mary, and Byron;
Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Countless other loving family and friends.