Paul Ralph Long

Paul Ralph Long was born July 26, 1945 in Essex, Missouri to Manly A. and Caddie J. Long. He passed away peacefully at his home following a brief illness in Naples, Florida on September 5, 2020 at the age of seventy-six years. Paul is survived by his partner, Jack Bays; one brother, Maurice Long of Bonfield, IL; three sisters, Joyce Brady of Trilla, IL, Delores Woodford of Augusta, WI and Faye Dennison of Lee's Summit, MO; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manly and Caddie Long and his sister, Lois Bond. Paul is also survived by his second family, Sharon Hullinger, Kevin Bays, Jeremy and Mason of Fort Myers, FL and Juli Coy and Jori of Kankakee, IL. Paul attended Gray Ridge Schools through his junior year and graduated from Dexter High School in Dexter, MO in 1963. Paul was an accomplished clarinet player in high school. He placed First in Clarinet two years consecutively in the MO State Music Contest. Paul graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO in 1967 with a B.S. Degree in Horticulture. He enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation. Paul was a clarinetist in the 399th Army Band at Fort Leonard Wood Army Base in Missouri. He was stationed in South Korea following basic training with the United States Army Band and was awarded an Honorable Discharge in 1969. Paul worked as a floral designer in Kankakee and Bourbonnais, IL, Kansas City, MO and Bonita Springs, FL for thirty years. He was co-owner of Potpourri in Kankakee, IL; worked as a designer for Panazzo's Floral & Produce in Bourbonnais, IL for several years. He recently designed flowers at Bonita Blooms in Bonita Springs, FL. Paul was a gifted floral designer, artist, gardener, photographer, gourmet cook and musician. He played clarinet and oboe in Community Bands in Bourbannais, IL and Bonita Springs, FL. Paul was a Life Member and Trustee on the Board of VFW Post 4254 in Bonita Springs, FL. He was a member of American Legion 303 and Moose Lodge 1454 in Bonita Springs, FL. Paul was an active member of the Springs of Bonita Springs Outdoor Church. He was baptized in the Dexter Church of the Nazarene. Paul will be inurned in Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 12:30 PM. To sign Paul's guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory, Family Owned and Operated since 1978.

Paul Ralph Long

July 26, 1945 - September 5, 2021