Adam Long would describe himself as a regular guy who loved his family and friends, cooking, conversation and watching sports. He was certified as a Kansas City BBQ judge at age 14 and followed that path, working in the food industry for the rest of his life. He was only 27 when he died in an auto accident in January 2010, but he subtly displayed characteristics of a much older, wizened person. Said his family, "If Adam had his way, he would have asked that someone else be honored with a floragraph on the Donate Life Float instead of him. He was quietly more about others than himself."

Adam's Story

Adam Long would describe himself as a regular guy who loved his family and friends, cooking, conversation and watching sports. He was born October 30, 1982 in Nashville, Tenn. A big kid who could swing a bat, Adam enjoyed baseball in his younger years. One of his best memories was when a Little League umpire said, "I've never seen a ball hit that far."

As a pudgy kid from 3rd grade to junior high, he went through difficult years, but he decided to change. At 14, Adam researched and created his own healthy menu to lose weight, but quietly so it didn't affect what the family wanted to eat.

Adam graduated from high school in 2001. He loved football and was part of a group of amazing kids trying out to make the high school team that would be ranked number one in USA Today. Adam attended North Texas University, but decided on a career in the food industry. He was certified as a Kansas City BBQ judge at age 14 and followed that path, working in the food realm for the rest of his life. He truly enjoyed it.

He was aware and very knowledgeable in many areas. An "Old Soul in a Young Man" was a description that fit. He was only 27 when he died in an auto accident in January 2010, but he subtly displayed characteristics of a much older, wizened person.

According to his family, "If Adam had his way, he would have asked that someone else be honored with a floragraph on the Donate Life float instead of him. He was quietly more about others than himself."