- Date Of Birth: June 2, 1944
- Date Of Death: July 22, 2021
- City: Okeechobee
- State: Florida
Michael W. Long, 77
Okeechobee – Mike passed away on July 22, 2021. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI, and moved to Okeechobee in 1956 at the age of 12. He always felt like this town embraced him and he knew this was his forever home.
Mike graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1962. During his years in school, he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He is only one of two athletes that have lettered in baseball for five years. He loved this community and its people so much that he gave back as his way of contributing back to his beloved Okeechobee. He coached little league football for several years. He was heavily involved in the Jaycees for many years, earning the high honor of JCI Senator. He also sat on the Okeechobee County Planning and Zoning Board for more than 15 years, serving as Chairman for most of those years.
Mike had a gift of gab that made him a perfect candidate for working in the sales field. He started with a local weekly paper, The Shoppers Guide, selling advertisements. He then went to work for Henry Kelly at Family Homes in 1986 selling mobile homes. He was employed by the Kelly family until 2020.
Mike was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy ten years ago. In recent years, his disease really took a toll on him, confining him at home and in a wheelchair. But he always maintained an upbeat attitude and kept fighting the fight.
He loved playing the game of golf. He was also a sports fanatic. He especially was an avid Gator fan. Mike and the family will be in our Gator attire and we ask that you please wear orange or blue to him.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of 39 years, Sue. He was an amazing father to three daughters, Wendy Sewell (Richard), Tammy Fisher (John), and Jennifer Brenner (Leonard); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Karen Brown (Earl); and many friends.
He will be forever loved and missed, especially his great sense of humor and his smile. A special thank you to the VNA Caregivers who have helped take care of him and his physical therapist, Mona. We both appreciate all you have done for us.
