Richard Dennis Long

Richard Dennis Long of Ruffin, N.C. died on May 27, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was only 68. Known as Ric to most (and as Wic Wong, to the children of his friends), he spent much of his youth traveling and working around the country before returning to his native North Carolina. Most of his life was spent working as a professional driver for logistics companies, which complemented his spirit of adventure and wanderlust perfectly. As the open road continued to beckon him throughout his life, attempts to leave the occupation never seemed to last long, and the last ten years were spent working with his wife, teaming eighteen wheelers and exploring the highways, byways, and restaurants of the country.

Known for his good humor and infectious laughter, Ric had a talent for brightening everyone’s day. He always had a joke or pun ready, and when asked how he was doing, he would always respond with, “better than I deserve.” He made easing others’ loads a lifelong mission, whether it was by changing someone’s tire, financially assisting when he could, or just making a total stranger feel better. He had genuine affection and compassion for his fellow humans and strongly believed that we should love and care for each other. He was a loyal friend, and he truly inspired those who knew and loved him.

Ric had a tenacious thirst for knowledge and was always reading about topics that interested him, and figuring out how to troubleshoot and solve problems. He was also a fierce wordsmith, and waded into battle with many an online Scrabble adversary. (It was a true achievement to win a game against him.) Other interests included aeronautics, history, gaming, and the intersection of science and fiction. He loved animals, both domestic and wild, and had a deep respect for natural areas. He was often found riding around in the mornings on “turtle patrol,” stopping to move turtles out of the road.

A memorial service for Ric will be held June 10 at 2:00 at Bluestem Cemetery, 1900 Hurdle Mills Road, Cedar Grove, N.C. Ric is survived by his wife, Becky; sisters Gail Scott (Rawlings), Joy Hall (Tom); brothers Tony Long (Melissa), Chris Long; in-laws Elizabeth Liles and John Manning (Alessandra), and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a multitude of loyal friends with whom he shared memorable experiences throughout his life. We would like to thank his family of coworkers at Carolina Freightways for their love and continued support, as well as the wonderful network of healthcare providers at the Cone Health Cancer Center, Duke Cancer Institute, and AuthoraCare Hospice Collective.

In lieu of flowers, Ric’s legacy can be honored by helping someone out, leaving your server a huge tip, giving someone the benefit of the doubt, making a stranger’s day a little better, being kind…because that is who he was. Additionally, donations can be made in his honor to the Bluestem Community Fund or the charity of your choice. Rest easy, beloved husband, brother and dear friend.