Robert Thomas Long, 67, of Lumberton, NC, passed away the morning of Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Southeastern Hospice House from many complications of Type 1 diabetes.

Rob was born in the small town of Cuba, NY on June 7, 1955. He moved with his family to Lumberton, NC at the age of 12, with the opening of Acme Electric Company. Rob attended Lumberton High School and Pembroke State University. Rob married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary, on July 7, 1990. The pair reconnected after a chance encounter at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC. They were married for 32 beautiful years.

Rob was an extraordinary baker and owner of MidSouth Baking Company in Durham, NC where he specialized in breads, pizza crusts, and pies. He retired early due to chronic health issues. But long after his professional stint as "Baker Bob" was over, he loved to bake bread, especially his famous butter rolls, to share with family and friends. He was also a true animal lover and avid bird watcher. Rob was a stepfather, proud grandfather, devoted son, supportive brother, and faithful member of Chestnut Street United Methodist Church. Most of all, he was a loving and attentive husband.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Joyce Long.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Stankwytch Long of the home; his sister, Pamela Britt (Gordon) of Orrum, NC; stepdaughters, Ruth Rivas (Ronnie) and Beth Meloy (AJ); and four grandchildren: John, Eleanor, Wyatt, and Wesley.

Rob was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1960 at the age of 5 and lived with the disease for the rest of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made in his name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation online at:

https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation2?idb=196084957&df_id=2374&mfc_pref=T&2374.donation=form1&df_id=2374&idb=1097375466&mfc_pref=T&2374.donation=form .

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 11:30 AM at Chestnut Street United Methodist Church, 200 E. 8 ^th Street in Lumberton, NC.