FRANKLIN — Robert James “Jimmy” Long, 72, passed away peacefully in his home on Oct. 1, 2018.

He had fought a long, hard battle with cancer until he was called home.

Jimmy was born on May, 15, 1946, in High Point, North Carolina, to the late Albert Leon Long and Lucille Irwin Long.

He was raised in Franklin by his maternal grandparents, James and Beattie Irwin.

He retired from the City of Franklin in 2012, after 17 years in the Public Works Department as a mechanic. He was a hard working self-made man. He spent his life working on cars and helping others.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Sarah Fowler Long; his only daughter, Shannon Long (John Stuck;) his only grandson, Michael Justus; his brother, Jerry Long of Stuart, Florida; his cousin, Tony Irwin; his aunt, Edith Irwin of Thomasville, North Carolina; his Kingsdale community; and many other friends.

Jimmy’s family is grateful for the care he received from Heartland Hospice. His nurse, Melanie Marshall, handled everything for him with love and care. Thanks also to Shawna and Monchelle from Comfort Keepers for taking care of Jimmy up until his last moments in this world.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, in the funeral home with Mr. Drew Dunn officiating. Burial will follow at Southampton Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends in their home in Kingsdale following the funeral service, and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Jimmy’s name.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.