Kimmie Juel “Kim” Long

On Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 Kimmie Juel Long passed from this life, having struggled with illness over the past year. Graveside services will be 11 am Friday, December 10th, 2021 at Trinity Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.

Kimmie, or Kim as he was often called, was born on a ranch in Lenorah, Texas on January 16, 1941 to Kim William Long and Vallie Mae Shugart Long. He married Dorothy Gean Hull in 1960 and always has something to say about “them Stanton girls” and how he’d met her. The story was he parked in a drive-in at Stanton where Dorothy worked as a car-hop and each time she walked in front of the car his radio went off. Kim was the baby of the family to four older sisters so you know he was spoiled. His dad was a ranch hand and moved often so his children went to several schools in the eleven years he went. He dropped out in the 11th grade after having an argument with the English teacher about diagramming sentences. Strong-willed and hard headed he held many jobs in his younger years. He drove a truck to Mexico to get brick to bring back to the States. He learned how to cut trees in Wisconsin which eventually led to his side business of Big Spring Tree Trimming. He delivered butane and propane to a number of families out in the country. Worked at cotton gins, gas stations, mowed lawns and a number of other things. Kim had multiple “route” jobs delivering for Gandy’s, Mrs Bairds, Borden’s, Rainbo and then Frito Lay. In 1982 he went out on a limb and bought Dale’s Auto Paints and started his career in automotive paints and supplies which led to The Paint and Safety Store incorporated in 1992. He has at one point in time or another had all four of his sons and his wife Dorothy work for him, although she would say differently. For not having graduated high school he was very successful in his business.

Kim was always involved in his four boys; Kim Allen, Brady Dale, Kelly Gene and Cory Dean lives through school, little league, Boy Scouts, band and sports. Not usually the leader, but always supporting as assistant and volunteering whenever he was needed. He had a very giving spirit and would help anyone in need, regardless of their background. But if you knew Kim you’d know he didn’t like everyone and would say something about it. Some times in colorful language. He grew up on ranches and loved outdoors so he took camping, hiking, fishing and hunting seriously. We camped in so many different state parks, lakes and especially trips to Big Bend where Kim climbed up Emory Peak! Also floated down the Rio Grande river with the Boy Scouts in the aluminum canoe with Kim Allen. He loved nature and being outdoors. And music! He loved to play his guitar. The family would go over to people’s houses and he’d play for hours. We were blessed to hear him sing and play and sometimes get out his harmonica. He enjoyed the barn dances his uncle put on and family reunions in Christoval playing his guitar. And don’t forget dominoes and cards. There were all of these reunions and just friends getting together to play and he’d laugh and carry on. He also taught us boys how to work on cars….greasing wheel bearings, changing flat tires and patching them, putting on new brakes, spark plugs and wires and other repairs.

And Kim had all kinds of pet sayings: “Good Lord love a duck”, “I wouldn’t have thought of you for a quarter”, “Hey, easy money”, “Jack’s Mule Barn,….Jack here”, “Do you want me to sign my full name?….3 XXX’s?”, “Hasta pagoogers” {his butchered Spanish}, “Oh, you know, flopping with the buzzards” {instead of soaring with the eagles}, “all you need is a Big Chief notepad and a number 2 pencil”, and others.

Kim was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Gean Hull; his parents Kim William and Vallie Mae Long; his sisters: Clairese Hale, Geraldine Stroud and Ethel Lee Ballard.

He is survived by one sister, Betty Lou McDonald; four sons: Kim Allen Long and wife Dotty; Brady Dale Long and wife Reginia; Kelly Gene Long and wife Angie; and Cory Dean Long and wife Michelle; six grandchildren: Michele, Cole and wife Clarice, Joshua, Zachary, Lexa and Elizabeth.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com