James Earl Ratcliff
October 16, 2024
Joshua Jason Naquin
October 16, 2024
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Pat) Plaisance Long and two children: daughter, Monica Lynn Long Tamborello and husband Joe, Orlando FL, and son Michael Thomas Long and wife Patricia Schiro Long, Indianapolis, IN. Grandchildren are Julia Monique and Carly Renee Tamborello, Trevor Joseph Schiro, and great-grandson, Elliot Turner Schiro. He is also survived by his sister Nancelene Long Reich (Delbert, deceased), Bartlesville OK, brother Jerry C. Long (Vida), Missoula, MT, nieces Kathy, Sandra Jo, Diana, Kendra, Toni, nephew Steven along with several grand-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents Roy “Hop” and Bernice Cowdery Long, sister Carlie Long Taylor (Jim, deceased), Nowata, OK, brother Dale C. Long and wife Donna, Oolagah, OK, and nephew Greg Reich (Theresa), Bartlesville, OK.
He is survived as well by his in-laws Eugene Plaisance, Jr. (Paulette), of Thibodaux, Katherine “Kutch” P. Arcement (Russell, deceased), Elizabeth Plaisance, and Tom Plaisance (Lynelle), all of Lockport, LA, nieces Melanie, Theresa, Mary Beth, Lisa, Katie, and Allison, nephews Bryan, Jody, Keith, Matthew, and Mark plus several grand-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by father- and mother-in-law Eugene, Sr. and Enola Cheramie Plaisance, and sister-in-law Marie P. Rogers and husband Ronnie.
Robin graduated from Nowata High School in 1963, earned a BA degree in Social Studies Education at Nicholls State University, Thibodaux in 1972. An Air Force veteran, he served as an Air Policeman, deployed to McCoy AF Base, Orlando FL, Houma Radar Squadron, Houma LA, plus Malatya, Turkey, and AFB Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. A 35-year employee of the United States Postal Service, he became Thibodaux Postmaster in 1990. Once retired from USPS in 1996, he worked as a supervisor for Dugas Oil of Franklin, LA, and recently as manager of St. Mary’s Gulf Oil Station, Pablas Enterprises, Thibodaux. He was a parishoner of St. Genevieve Catholic Church and a member of VFW Post 5097, Thibodaux.
An enthusiastic Saints football fan since the team began in the ’60’s and a devoted LSU football fan, Robin is belovedly known to relatives, friends, co-workers, employers, and employees as a sweet, loving, congenial man with a tremendous laugh who was generous almost to a fault. The impact he had on people throughout his life, just like the ever-present twinkle in his eyes, shines on and will never be forgotten.
His burial in St. Joseph Cemetery was private, with a memorial celebration to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to St. Genevieve Catholic Church, Ministry to the Needy, Thibodaux, or to the United States DAV (Disabled American Veterans).
The family thanks all who helped during his illness, especially Dr. Francis Robichaux, Dr. Paul Monier, the doctors at the Family Doctors Clinic, and the extraordinary nurses and staff of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. The family is particularly grateful to Rodney and Clare Acosta, Mike and Daisy Guidroz, Brian Wilson, Mrs. Deep, Mr. Billy and Jason Pablas, Julianne King Korn, and the employees of St. Mary’s Gulf Oil for their love, care and consideration during this very difficult time.
Ordoyne funeral home is in charge of arrangements.
