Arthur Long

Arthur Ray Long, 80, of Pineville, passed away Saturday, June 20, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 23, 1934 in Middlesboro, KY, the son of the late Stella Lee Smith Long and James Glen Long Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Rae Long, 2 Brothers: Donald Keith Long and James Glen Long, 2 Sisters: June Sylvia Miracle and Blanch Lawless. His mother-in-law: Edith Mae Allen.

He served his country in the United States Army.

Ray began his career in the grocery business over 60 years ago while attending Middlesboro High School, working for the A & P Grocery Store. Upon graduating from high school, he went to work for Kroger in Middlesboro, after working there for 7 years and saving his money, he opened his own grocery store called Pot of Gold in the East End section of Middlesboro. 2 years later, he sold the Pot of Gold and using the proceeds from that sale, he purchased the old Max Grocery and opened the Foodland Grocery Store. Always looking for opportunities to grow and expand his store, he redesigned his store and changed the name to Piggly Wiggly. As the business continued to grow, Ray bought the IGA franchise in 1974, and the store continued to grow under the IGA label. Then in 1977, as Pineville was devastated by the flood, Ray, realizing the direness of the situation and the need to be able to get food for the residents, sprang into action. With the help of store employees, grocery wholesalers and many friends, Ray was able to clean up the devastation left by the flood and in just 21 days, had the store re-opened, providing residents with foodstuff at affordable prices. Not letting the flood slow him down, he began to purchase small parcels of land around his store on Pine Street and in 1986 he purchased the Pic Pac franchise. In 1987, Ray’s wish for a major supermarket became a reality, under his supervision and guidance, they broke ground for a 15,000 square foot grocery store at his location on Pine Street and on January 2, 1988, Pineville’s newest and most modern supermarket, Long’s Pic Pac opened it’s doors to their many loyal customers and friends. In 1996, the store was renamed Long’s Pic Pac Galaxy and operates today under that name. With what began as small 30 x 50 grocery store in Middlesboro, Long’s Pic Pac Galaxy has undergone many changes in over 60 years, it has grown to over 60 employees and has been a vital part of Bell County for over half a century and it’s impact on the local economy is far reaching. Ray’s legacy of generosity and commitment to his community, continues to this day and will always remain the foundation on which it operates.

Ray leaves behind to mourn his passing, the following members of his family:

His Wife: Sandra Allen Long

2 Children: Michael Ray (Trisha) Long and Melissa Long Wilburn

6 Grandchildren: Michael Ray Long II, Faith Lyn Long, Rhett Jameson Long, Amanda LeMar Rose, Alex Matthew Wilburn and Taylor Nicole Wilburn.

7 Sisters: Helen Marie Lambdin, Billie Margret Hall, Virginia Long Hendrickson, Alma Jarvis Miracle, Patsy Ruth Hendrickson, Glenda Lee Redmond and Dorothy Jean Campbell.

And host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Special Friends: John and Ina Robbins

Special Caregivers: ARH Home Health Team

His First Nazarene Church Family and his past and present Pic Pac Family.

The Long family has been truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support over the past 15 months, and though it was a hard journey for Ray and his family, it was made much more bearable by the many prayers, cards and kindnesses shown by customers, family and friends.

“I always wanted to work for myself and be in control of my future. With hard work and a little luck, I believe anybody and do just that.” - Ray Long