Leo Long was born on December 25, 1923, in Greenwood, Jackson, FL to Isaac Long and Iola Simm Long. He grew up in Florida, where he lived a fulfilling life surrounded by family and friends. Leo sadly passed away on September 5, 2014, at the age of 90 in Melbourne, FL. Melbourne had been his home for many years, along with his beloved wife Katie.

Leo Long met Katie Barnes at a basketball game. Katie was known to be a good basketball player, and Leo went to watch her in action. Leo later married Katie Barnes, on September 2, 1944, and together they had a beautiful family consisting of eight children. They were blessed with four sons and four daughters, each with their own unique personalities. Their daughters were named Thelma (Jean), Myrtle Lydia, Carolyn Lee, and Pamela Anita, while their sons were named Larry (Paul) Long, (deceased, 2011) Leo Long Jr., William Milton Long, (deceased, 2025) and Marcus Lambert Long. Leo Long often worked two jobs to provide for the family, instilling values of hard work ethics, loyalty, and education in their children. Leo and Katie's legacy live on through their now six children and the strong bonds they share.

Leo, a US Navy Veteran who served during World War II, was known for his quiet demeanor. Similarly, Katie Long was a soft-spoken homemaker and dedicated mother. Both Leo and Katie were laconic (spoke very few words) individuals preferring to express themselves through actions rather than speech. Leo's service in the Navy during the war showcased his bravery. Meanwhile, Katie's selflessness and nurturing nature were evident in the love and care she provided for her children. Despite their reserved nature, Leo and Katie's actions spoke volumes about their character and the values they held dear. Katie Long passed away on November 10, 2011, at the age of 89 in Melbourne, FL. She leaves behind precious memories for her children to cherish. Also, Leo Long was an excellent provider for his wife and family.

The Long Family reunion has a long-standing tradition of being held in Two Egg, Florida, and continues to be held there to this day. However, due to the lengthy drive, Leo and Katie found it difficult to attend. This prompted Larry, their son, to propose the idea of starting a separate family reunion exclusively for the descendants of Katie and Leo. With eight children and their respective offspring, Larry believed there would be more than enough people to inaugurate this new gathering. And so, the Leo and Katie Long family reunion was born in the 1990's.