Ricky James Long, son of the late Rodney and Margaret Long, was born on July 4th, 1953, in Stoddard County, Advance, Missouri, and departed this life on July 11, 2024, at Memory Lane in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 71 years.

Ricky was an affectionate, dedicated, hard-working man who excelled as a guitarist, musician, gospel singer, artist, and a devoted worshiper of God, who always put the needs of others ahead of his own.

Ricky is survived by his daughter Katherine Willard of Dexter, Missouri; by his step-son, Dustin Ladd and wife Jennifer of Springfield, Missouri; by his adopted son, Wendall Anderson Long; by his mother, Margret Long of Chaffee, Missouri; by his brothers, Randy and Ronald Long of Bell City, Missouri; by two sisters, Mary Beth Long of Scott City, Missouri, and Tammy Long of Chaffee, Missouri; by three grandchildren, Cara Weathers and husband Jessie, Rebecca Mattison and husband Brett, and Wendall Ladd; and by three great-grandchildren, Sophia Fuget, Elena Fuget, and Roper Fuget.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Rodney Long; by his sister, Deborah Surface; by his wife, Betty Ann Long.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday July 15, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Monday July 15, at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Dale Holman officiating. Interment will follow in the Morgan Memorial Park Cemetery in Advance, Missouri.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.