Arlis Clark Long, Sr.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Arlis Clark Long, Sr. of Blytheville—or “Big C” as he was oftentimes called among family, friends and a host of acquaintances near and far, young and old—passed peacefully on July 12 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. He was 67.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Hoke Long of the home; three children, Arlis Clark Long, Jr. (Rebecca), Nathanial Wallace Long (Amy), and Anna Kathleen Long, all of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, Catherine Long, Andrew Long, Wally Long and Averitt Long; a brother, Paul Leondius Long, Jr. of Blytheville; a sister, Anna Idella Gill (Malcolm) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and many cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Leondius Long, Sr. and Bonnie Jean Long, both of Blytheville.

Born on Dec. 21, 1951, in Blytheville, he was a lifelong farmer whose love for his work, his wife, his family and life in general knew neither bounds nor measure.

Clark loved farming with every bone in his body. The agricultural routine of preparation, planting, cultivating and harvesting was also metaphorical in his personal relationships: he was a grower to the core, who sowed kindly words with a sunny disposition and reaped hearty laughter and esteem in the highest yields.

He became friends with Sara in junior high school, and their friendship grew till it blossomed into matrimony while at the University of Arkansas. They were married in their junior year and, just as they vowed, were inseparable until parted by death. This Aug. 9th would have been their 47th anniversary.

He fully personified the phrase “would do anything for his children,” and needed no words to articulate his glee and joy from time spent with them and his grandchildren. Family life, sought and savored across all generations, was his ultimate pleasure.

Over nearly seven decades of fruitful living, Clark became known for a variety of admirable attributes and enviable characteristics. Father, friend and mentor to so many, he was a force of good nature and compassion that left memorable impressions on countless hearts. Conversations with him were livened by his evergreen supply of wit, humor and genuine affection. Not only was he deft at making friends wherever he went, but he also had a natural talent for making people feel comfortable in every situation.

In addition to an uncanny capacity to recall and recite sports games and events information faster than a Google search, Clark was a dominant (but still benevolent) competitor at billiards, tonk, foosball and ping pong.

He lived for family moments of togetherness, and passed peacefully in that fashion, surrounded by those his love had enfolded and enriched.

As he wished, the family will hold a private gathering to scatter his ashes across his favorite piece of farmland on Friday, July 19. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Blytheville Country Club from 5 - 7 p.m. All who want to honor and share in Clark’s cherished remembrance are invited.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.