Michael P Long Sr.

Michael Phillip Long, Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully at home on July 14, 2025. Born and raised in Dallas, Michael graduated from Sunset High School in 1953 and Texas A&M University in 1957.

Upon arriving at Texas A&M, Michael enthusiastically donned the Corps of Cadets uniform for Squadron 22. He was recognized his first year as the best drilled "Fish" (freshman for the uninitiated) and again as the best drilled sophomore. Michael bled maroon and proudly wore his Aggie ring every day of his life. He made lifelong friends at Texas A&M who continued to gather for Aggie Muster, football games and tailgates at Kyle Field, and monthly lunches at Tupinamba.

Michael worked for Chance Vought and then Reynolds Metals after graduating from Texas A&M. But Michael was an entrepreneur and would not be satisfied working for someone else. So, in 1971 he started Southern Metals Company and then Metal Tech Company in 1972. Michael worked hard to establish relationships with steel producers all over the world. His handshake alone was enough to obtain credit. Michael valued these relationships as he did those with his clients, competitors and company employees. He was involved in every aspect of his companies (as his employees will attest to) often sleeping on his office couch as he worked long hours to ensure the success of his businesses. In 1987, Michael was named the Steel Executive of the Year by the Association of Steel Distributors. The award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the industry over a significant period of time and have demonstrated the ability to be true leaders in the industry. Michael continued going to the office to greet his employees and make sure everything was running smoothly until shortly before his death.

Never happy being idle, Michael found work alone was not enough. He decided to take up sports as an adult, which he doggedly pursued until he could compete without embarrassment and the humiliation of losing. Starting at public courts hitting a tennis ball against a backboard, Michael eventually played at TBarM and Churchill Park until foot surgery sidelined him at 86 years old. He learned to ski on the bunny slopes with his children and later joined the Dallas Ski Club to enjoy ski trips in Colorado and Europe. Michael ended his skiing adventures back on those same bunny slopes with his grandchildren. But Michael was happiest on the water. He decided that sailing was the perfect family activity and insisted that everyone participate. After rigging his first sailboat with the main sail upside down, Michael quickly got to work learning how to rig, sail and race sailboats. Vacations found the family on a chartered sailboat with Michael as the captain and the rest of the family as his mostly obedient crew. Lake Texoma became a second home among fellow sailors and dear friends. Michael continued to go to the lake to "visit" his sailboat long after he could no longer take the helm.

Of all his accomplishments and successes, Michael was most proud of his family. He is survived by his love of 36 years, Melissa Mitchell-Long and his children Michelle Knize and her husband Michael, son Michael Long, Jr., and his wife Luisa, and Teresa May and her husband Michael. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Abigail Knize, Caroline Knize, Mitchell May, and Conner May with wife Amanda and greatgrandchildren Gavin May and Aubrey May. Additional surviving family members include his cousins Fred Lockhart, Michelle Goldsmith with husband Michael, Kathleen Lockhart and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Kathryne and William Long.

In his later years Michael faced an Alzheimer's diagnosis with the same determination and confidence that characterized every aspect of his life. He continued to work, play tennis, enjoy dinner out, and participate in neighborhood social activities while never losing his joy at being among friends and family.

A memorial celebration for Michael will be held on August 5, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Park City Club located at 5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75225. In addition, a scholarship in Michael's name is being established at Texas A&M University. To contribute to the scholarship fund, please use this link http://give.am/MichaelPLong57Memorial and designate that your gift is to honor Michael P. Long Class of '57.

Arrangements by New Hope Funeral Home, Sunnyvale, Texas newhopefh.com