Final Salute

Roy Lee Long, 91, died on January 3, 2026 at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. He was born on February 12, 1934 to Mary Ellen Vaughn and Luther Richard Long in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Roy graduated from Old Richmond High School and joined the United States Navy from 1952-1960 where he served as a SeaBee, and was stationed in the Antarctic. Following his military service, he came home and married Libby Ann Marshall Long and started his career as a diesel mechanic. He worked at Carolina, Mclean trucking, and retired from Roadway Express. He was an active member of New Hope Methodist Church for 67 years, was a mason, and, following retirement, continued to work at his home shop, working on diesel engines. Roy was a family man, better known as “Papa,” he cared for and loved his family, spending time on the ball field, sharing his knowledge of mechanics, and loving on his great-grandchildren and grandchildren. He will live on through what he taught and how he lived his life.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 64 years, Libby Ann Marshall Long; brothers Carl Long and Kenneth Long. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Lon.g and Janice Long Baker; grandchildren, Dustin (Kristin) Baker and Brittany (Robert) Lawson, four great-grandchildren, Andrew Lee Baker, Taylor Ann Lawson, Weston Douglas Baker, and Landon Blake Lawson; brother; Jimmy Wayne Long (Norma); special family members; Richard McFarland, Craig and Joy Bloxham, Peggy Williams, friends Tommy and Jeff of Napa Auto Parts and Mosby Vogler, a close friend for many years.

Roy will lie in state Tuesday, January 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Salem Funeral Home on Reynolda Road. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7th at New Hope Methodist Church Cemetery, 5125 Shattalon Dr., Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27106.

In lieu of flowers memorials in his honor may be sent to New Hope Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106

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