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October 24, 2020
…. Then God Broke The Mold
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UPDATE: My Dear Friend Albert Long entered Heaven at 9:41 AM Wednesday morning – Oct 28, 2020.
Danny Lotz, Clyde King and Billy Graham were on-hand to greet him …
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For those who have been on-board BobLeeSays for all or most of its 20+ year run, the name “Prince Albert” will be familiar. “PA” is among a select group of reoccurring characters that provide continuity and familiarity to My World.
I use “Prince Albert” Long as a literary device that those “who do what I do” often employ.
NOTE: Albert will read that last sentence and call out to “Jackie” … “What does BobLee mean I’m “a literary device”?
To which “The Henderson Hottie” will patiently reply: “Albert, he’s saying how much he likes you” … “Oh… HA, Golly, where does BobLee come up with this stuff?”
If I had a nickel for every time “Prince Albert” has asked me “How do you come up with this stuff?” Referring to my bubbling cauldron of eclectic musings.
To which I always reply – “Albert, how can you take one verse of scripture and talk about it for 45 minutes without notes?” … “I dunno… I just can”. … “Me too” I reply.
Q: Where did the name “Prince Albert” come from? 
A: That old kids game of calling someone on the phone and asking “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” Referring to a popular pipe tobacco from the mid 20th century named for Queen Victoria’s husband. If they say “yes” you reply “… better let him out”.
I explained that to Albert ten years ago to which he replied … “HA, where do you come up with this stuff?” … sigh.
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Several months ago Albert was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer. Despite the best efforts of UNC’s Lineberger Clinic … Albert Long will be leaving us soon… “very soon”.
Albert entered Heaven at 9:41 AM Wednesday – Oct 28, 2020.
He will be joining his dear friends Danny Lotz, Clyde King, Billy Graham and others in God’s Eternal Embrace. By 89, one has been preceded by many dear friends. It will be a most joyous reunion for sure. A most fitting reward for a Life well lived.
Two years ago at the funeral of a mutual friend, Albert tells me “I have my funeral service already scripted. It will last an hour and a half.” … Vintage Albert Long.
“YIKES! I exclaimed … For Heaven Sakes, Albert Please build in an Intermission … and put all the good old-timey hymns in the first half.” … “You think I should?” … “Most Definitely” I noted. …
Will he take my advice? Better bring a couple of 5-Hour Energys just in case …
Three weeks ago Albert’s granddaughter Caroline asked a group of Albert’s friends to prepare short videos for his upcoming 89th birthday. Circumstances have created a greater urgency.
I have chosen to post this tribute now rather than “after”. Yes. This is unusual. My dear friend Albert Long is unusual. It’s how it should be, I think.
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89 years ago God created Albert Long.
Then God Broke The Mold.
It was October 1990… the same weekend that Cincinnati defeated Oakland 4 games to zero for the 1990 World Series …
Either Bobby Bryan – or it may have been Clyde King or both – invited Blondie and me to A Happening at Lees McRae College in Banner Elk.
It was a full-blown 3-ring Happening with the basketball juggling girl … the Carnegie Hall piano guy … probably a couple of midgets on unicycles and … a partridge in a pear tree ….. and ALBERT LONG …. 
I thought at the time you were a most unusual fellow … I was right of course but did not know HOW unusual a fellow you were then … always have been and always will be. Unusual in a very special way …
Being several bubbles out of plum myself I gravitate to “unusual people” …. Maybe that is the secret to our 30 year friendship ? … A Friendship that I cherish.
When The Lord decides … “Albert, I need you Up Here. The Heavenly Money Plate is a mess. Only YOU – my dear and faithful servant – can straighten it out. … It is Time to Come Home.”
When that time comes … and assuming the weather cooperates … 100s maybe 1000s will turn out to say their Good Byes.
I know IT will be noted because It has to be BUT… I hope that…
Carolina’s One/Only 4-Sport Letterman
is NOT at the top of the long list of Why We Will Never Forget Albert Long.
Your contributions to your fellow man over the ensuing 70 years since “The Kid” matriculated at UNCCH have been so much more impactful.
You HAVE MADE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE ALBERT … to more lives than you will ever know. … both with your Lay Ministry … and as a Friend.
I am proud to count PRINCE ALBERT as My Dear Friend … and to join many others in this celebration.
God Bless My Most Unusual Friend – “Prince Albert”.
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More of BobLee Says … HERE!
Have you read … I Never Imagined That ... You really should.
It WILL be on the final exam.
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Thank you for the fine tribute to Prince Albert. I’ve never met him personally but feel that I know him vicariously through you, a testament to your writing skills. As you noted the mold was broken and there will not be another one like him. Regrettably it seems that we are losing “Princes” in every community.
Albert’s legacy will live on long after he is with his Lord and all his many friends awaiting his arrival “Up Yonder”.
Very nice comments about a really class guy. I met the “Prince” about ten years ago while working a baseball game at UNC.
Of Albert’s FOUR letters at UNC / nine all total … I think Baseball was his favorite sport.
I agree! Since I “sell” for a living, my mantra has always been “Don’t be vanilla – be memorable (in good ways)”…
But Albert is memorable for the best of reasons – his spirit shines on everyone he meets. Best regards, Bo
Indeed he is Bo. His memory will endure …
Well, you got it exactly right. Very well done. He is one of the best that God has put on this earth. A true and unusual friend.
Thanks Bobby.
I met Albert Long in Fayetteville in the early 80’s when my wife and several friends were very active on the Fayetteville YMCA board. We invited Albert to speak to a gathering we arranged. I thought he was going to talk about sports (which he did for a brief moment) but he talked about God, whom I did not know very well at the time. He was especially upset about the satanic music that was inundating our youth. It was a strong message that resonated with everyone. I will never forget it. He had such a charm about him. I… Read more »
Many many times when with Albert “out in public” we encounter folks in their late 30s-40s who recalled Albert speaking to their school assembly on the dangers of heavy metal music back in the 80s. You think those “satanic images” may be somewhat responsible for the encroaching amorality / immorality of our current society ???
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No way would a message like Albert’s be allowed in public schools “these days” … sigh. Albert’s son – Mike – had a similar ministry speaking to school groups on “Abstinence”. That was only 15+ years ago. Imagine THAT these days.
What was the name of his ministry?
“Happenings” is the only name I know of. His Heavy Metal series in the 80s may have had a separate name.
So you just happened to meet 30 years ago. Was it just a coincidence? I’m often wrong but I don’t think God does coincidences. Wish I could have met him. Praying for a miracle.
Just A Coincidence is the title of Albert’s book recounting all the “coincidences” over his career.
Bob , I had no idea . I Love Albert Long. We would see each other at a lot of different events and He would always have to tell everyone about the game that I broke his nose in his high school game against Fayetteville.Great Man , Great Memories. Hope you are staying safe , my friend .
Albert remembered every play … every pitch … every dribble thru his Durham Hi and UNC days. And LOVED to recall them!
I am so sorry to hear about Albert’s status. Only met him three times, but his spiritual impact was unforgettable. Thank you for often recognizing his special nature. Thank you.
Bless Albert !!!
Yes he did, Bob. I’m sure he will read this and appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks BobLee, Albert took a considerable god given talent, honed it, tried it out on thousands and thousanads of mostly young people over the years and helped bring them closer to the lord. Our friend Monroe Knight said Albert would speak to any group, any time, any where, with one year notice or no notice, without complaint. He was one of the best public speakers in the state and used it to bring mostly young people closer to the lord. We love you Albert. PH Craig
Indeed! He touched 1,000s of lives over 50+ years of his ministry.
Great tribute to your friend, Bob
Thanks. Albert was “a piece of work”.
What a wonderful tribute for your dear friend. He was definitely a friend to many, and will certainly be remembered for being a good, good man. ❤️
Could there be a better epitaph than … “He was a Good Good Man”? I don’t think so.
The only better one for the Prince – He was God’s Man!
A real treasure, BL. It will be placed in Leon’s memorable “read again” file.
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I miss our Thursdays get togethers.
So do I Leon… so do I. Stay Strong!