We honor our beloved hero, Clyde Thomas Long, who unexpectedly woke up in the presence of the Lord on June 21, 2024. Clyde embodied everything good and true you could ever want in a son, brother, husband, fasha/dad, PaPa, and friend. He was an honest humble man of immense patience and kindness. He was a rock for so many because he knew how to show up for others, how to listen, how to lend his strength in support, and how to loyally love them well. Clyde faithfully served his God, family, friends and country. He will forever be in our hearts.

Born on February 12, 1961 in Tampa ,Florida to Benjamin Long Jr. and Betty Long. Clyde was the youngest of his surviving siblings, Benjamin Long and Toni Ogle.

Clyde married his beloved wife Karen on September 22, 1979 in Carrollton, TX. In May 1981, he graduated from U.S. Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, California. In 1982, they welcomed daughter Nicole followed by son Dallas, in 1985. Staff Sergeant Long spent 13 years serving our country in North Carolina, Texas & California, then moving to Florida before putting roots down in Texas.

Clyde earned top seniority working for Frontier since its GTE and Verizon days. During this time he earned the respect of those he worked with, both in the field and in management for his integrity and commitment to his work. His patriotism and Marine background continued on, as even on the job he could be found gently educating others on flag etiquette, often at his own expense.

Clyde served in Desert Storm from January to May of 1991. While in Desert Storm, Clyde found himself lost in a frightening sand storm where he couldn't even see his own hand in front of his face. He was so scared and cried out to God. God made His presence known to Clyde and helped him survive the storm. In that moment, Clyde turned back to God and dedicated his life to following Christ. Clyde went on to serve in various local churches where he lived, teaching Sunday school and leading Bible study groups. His favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13 (NLT) For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Clyde is survived by his wife Karen Long, daughter Nicole Hagood, son Dallas Long and wife Amanda, his very special grandsons Jeremy Hagood and Aiden Long, and numerous other extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by mother Betty Long.

A Celebration of Clyde's Life will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 3pm. The service will take place at Mulkey-Bowles-Montgomery Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust St., Denton, TX. The burial will be at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Monday July 8th at 1pm.