John R. "Dick" Long, 77, of Vero Beach, FL died Saturday, January 11, 2014. Dick was born September 8, 1936 in Dixon, IL. Dick farmed many years in Polo, IL and prior to his retirement, he worked with Forsyth County Parks and Recreation in Cumming, GA. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Polo, IL and The Church of the Good Shepherd in Cumming, GA. Dick married Karen Adams on April 4, 1959 in Sterling, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Veronica Spellman of Cumming, GA; sons, Rick (Sandy) Long of So. Beloit, IL and Timothy (Debi) Long of Chetek, WI; 2 sisters; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and his special lapdog, Benny. Dick was a Nascar fan, in particular #48 Jimmie Johnson and he also collected anything John Deere. He enjoyed life, was an unselfish person, and personified the virtues of faith in God. A celebration of Dick's life will be held at a later date at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Polo, IL. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.