Sonny Marvin Long

Sonny Marvin Long, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Riverview Nursing Center in Greenwood, Mississippi. A burial service honoring his life, legacy, and military service will be held at North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, Mississippi.

Sonny was born on March 3, 1947, in Helena, Arkansas, to Marvin Spencer Long and Mary Alice Sanders Long. He grew up in a close-knit family where hard work, loyalty, and faith shaped the foundation of his character. From an early age, Sonny was known for his gentle nature, steady presence, and willingness to help others—traits that followed him throughout every season of his life.

After completing his education, Sonny answered the call to serve his country. He spent six years in the United States Army Reserve, where he was assigned to the 1st Training Company, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces Command, United States Army. His time in service deepened his sense of discipline, duty, and honor. Sonny held immense pride in the men he served alongside and carried the values he learned into all that he did. His service remained one of the defining experiences of his life.

In 1967, Sonny married the love of his life, Florence Lee Simmons Long, beginning a partnership of 58 years centered on mutual respect, shared faith, and unwavering devotion. Together they built a home filled with laughter, perseverance, and deep affection. Their marriage stood as a testament to commitment and grace.

Sonny was a dedicated father to his two sons, Kevin and Brian. He approached fatherhood with patience, encouragement, and a quiet wisdom that shaped the men his sons became. He was the kind of father who led by example—teaching his children the importance of integrity, humility, and hard work.

His greatest joy came with the arrival of his grandchildren: Aden Bon Long and Sara Roark Long of Madison; and Ann Arrington Long, Brian Carter Long Jr., and Cruise Simmons Long of Jackson. Sonny found immeasurable pride in each of them, delighting in their personalities, their accomplishments, and the promise of their futures. He loved being their “Paw Paw,” celebrating every milestone, offering guidance when asked, and creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. His grandchildren were the accomplishment of which he was most proud.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Florence Simmons Long, sons, Kevin Scott Long and his wife Jennifer Roark Long of Madison, and Brian Carter Long and his wife Ramsey Cruise Long of Jackson, and grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Ronnie Dean Long, and his sister, Mary Long Milam, whom he loved deeply. Their lifelong bond, shared memories, and mutual support were treasured parts of his life.

Throughout his life, Sonny was known for his humility and quiet strength. He was a man who preferred simple joys—time with family, the comfort of familiar places, and the satisfaction of a day’s work done well. He had a steady demeanor that put others at ease and a generous heart that never hesitated to help when called upon. Friends and family alike recall his unfailing kindness, gentle humor, and unwavering dependability.

Sonny’s legacy is not defined by grand gestures but by the everyday acts of love, loyalty, and service that touched countless lives. He showed what it meant to be a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a man of steadfast principles. Those who knew him will forever carry with them the memory of his sincerity, his honesty, and the deep care he held for those he loved.

He leaves behind a family strengthened by his example and a world made better by his presence. Sonny will be deeply missed, yet his influence endures in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him

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