Long, David, age 79, of Athens, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 25, 2026. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

David was born on May 6, 1946, to Arthur and Winifred (Smith) Long. He was raised in Athens, where he attended school and later served six years in the United States Army Reserves, completing training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Dave began his career as an auto body repairman under the mentorship of Bud Hicks at Cereal City Auto. An entrepreneur at heart, he started his own business, Dave’s Auto Body, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He later became the owner and operator of Athens Auto Body, where he worked until his retirement in 2017. He took great pride in his craftsmanship, particularly in auto collision repair and custom painting. Beyond his profession, Dave enjoyed working on his own hobby vehicles as well as helping friends with theirs. He was a member of the Michigan Street Rod Association, where he shared his lifelong passion for automobiles.

Dave had a deep love for country music and taught himself to play the guitar by ear. Summers were often spent camping with family throughout Michigan and attending bluegrass and country music festivals. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. Many in the community may remember the small bait shop he operated from his garage on M-66 in the 1970s, or his produce stand at his home on M. Drive South.

Dave met and married Isabel Long, his beloved “Mi Amore,” in 1992 after a long-distance courtship. His family is deeply grateful for Isabel’s unwavering love and dedication as his primary caregiver in the final years of his life.

Dave is survived by his wife, Isabel Long; daughters, Tammy Long and Tracey Long (Chris Merz); stepdaughter, Ingrid (Sean) Scribner; former son-in-law, Ronel Robinson; and grandchildren, Zachary and Jolan Robinson. He is also survived by Yvonne (Stan) Johnson, mother of his children; sister, Dorothy Wilson; niece, Kathryn Rose; and nephews, Larry (Pamla) Hubbard, Gary Hubbard, and Bruce (Leslie) Hubbard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Winifred Long, and his stepson, Milton Flores.

A committal service and inurnment will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens, Michigan. The family will receive visitors from 3:00-5:00 PM the same day at VFW Post 5319, 120 Veterans Drive, Athens, Michigan.