Bobby Pierce Long, a World War II veteran from El Paso, Texas, celebrated his 100th birthday on Father’s Day surrounded by family and friends at the Woman’s Center of El Paso.
A Life of Service
Long was born in Fabens, Texas, and grew up in a shelter near El Paso along the Franklin Canal during the Great Depression. He joined the Navy at 18 years old and served on the USS Lavaca, delivering supplies, equipment, and extra troops to allied forces. Long’s military service is highlighted by being one of the last living people to have seen the end of World War II from Tokyo Bay, where his ship was stationed.
After returning to El Paso, Long built a family with his wife Lula Nell White and spent over 40 years in community service as an assistant Boy Scout master and through his volunteer work with Grace United Methodist Church youth programs. Later in life, Long flew to Washington with the Honorary Flight network in 2014 and received an honorary diploma from Ysleta High School in 2018.
Long’s family said he is an example that ordinary people can live an extraordinary life.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
