Nelson Otto Long, Jr, 84, of Silsbee, died Friday, July 17, 2015, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont. He was born on February 17, 1931, in Crockett, to Mary Modine James Long and Nelson Otto Long, Sr.
Nelson Long grew up throughout South East Texas. He graduated from Kountze High School in the class of 1948. Nelson continued his education at Sam Houston State Teachers College, later known as Sam Houston State University. He even played a little football at Sam Houston.
In his professional career he began working in New Mexico for the oil and gas industry. In the early 50’s Nelson began his banking career in Sharpstown. He continued this career by moving to Silsbee, Texas to work for Neches National Bank.
He prospered in Silsbee banking and watched his children grow up.
In 1992 Nelson Long married Betty Ann Mitchell. This was a union that lasted until her death in 2009. They were devoted to each other and worked side by side at the helm of Silsbee State Bank until their retirement in 2000.
They enjoyed travelling. They visited Europe cruising through the Mediterranean ports of Spain, Italy and France. They also made trips to Alaska and on the eastern U.S.A. to watch the leaves change colors along the Canadian /USA border.
After losing Betty Ann in 2009, Nelson remained in Silsbee enjoying his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved hunting trips with family especially the barbeque stops en route to the hunting lease. He was always the perfect gentleman and remained that way until the end of his life.
Survivors include his children, Cheryl Long McGallion and her husband, Deryl Ray, of Houston; Vicki Long Butler and her husband, Steve, of The Woodlands; Mary Mitchell Kirby and her husband, Jim, of Beaumont; and Nelson Edward Long of Silsbee; grandchildren, Jessica Simmons, Heath McGallion, Holley Cugnet, Worley Coco, Rex Mitchell, Matthew Long, Mason Long, Matthew Kirby, and Nate Kirby; great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Madeleine, Abagail, and Delancey Milam, Myla McGallion, Case and Lynlee Cugnet, Aason Long, Mary Elizabeth Mitchell, and Wyatt Coco; and brother, Hal Long of Houston.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann Worley Long; brother, James Long; and sister, Susan Montes.
We would like to thank Dr. George Thomas and Dr. Randolph Lombardo of Beaumont for their excellent care. We would also like to thank his care giver Susan Johnston that kept the ship afloat in times of very rough waters.
A gathering of Mr. Long’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, 670 N. 5th Street, Silsbee, with interment to follow at R. S. Farmer Memorial Park, Silsbee.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 670 N. 5th Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656.
