Charles David Long

Charles David Long “Charlie,” 84 of Simpsonville, SC, surrounded by his family, and his faithful pet, Kirby, left his earthly home to begin eternity in heaven with those who have gone before him. After many years of suffering and pain, his valiant battle with heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis ended peacefully on May 9, 2012.

He was born in Florence County, son of the late David Lee Long and Hattie Hamilton Long. Charlie was one of nine children, six of whom had predeceased him – Ishmael, Paul, Beaufort, Cecil, Ted and Virginia.

Charlie was quite the sportsman, having helped the Latta Red Raiders win State Championship in baseball, football and basketball. For a short while he played professional baseball with the Pittsburg Pirates. He and his younger son spent many hours watching football games and playing golf. Charlie appreciated and enjoyed music. Singing bass with a quartet and playing guitar and piano. His oldest son, Russ became a concert pianist and Charlie spent many hours listening to him practice and attending his performances.

He attended Columbia Business College and was bookkeeper with Latta Ford Company. After 25 years as a mail carrier for USPS, he worked with the South Carolina Highway Department building bridges. He served during the Korean conflict when his Dillon National Guard unit was mobilized. Charlie later joined the US Navy, aboard the heavy cruiser, USS Newport News out of Norfolk, Virginia, serving in the Mediterranean.

He is survived by his wife Jean, his son Russ, his son Roger (Anne) and two beautiful grandchildren, Lizzie and “Little” Charlie, and many nieces and nephews, whom he delighted in kidding with.

Visitation was held Saturday evening 6 pm – 8 pm at Cooper Funeral Home in Dillon, SC. The service celebrating his life was held at 4 pm Sunday afternoon at Ebenezer Southern Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Philip Fulmer officiating. The significance of the hour is because the marriage to his wife Jean on March 19, 1961 began at that time. He wanted to end there. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Long, Chris Long, Jason Meggs, Foster Bethea, Mike Arnette and Trey Cook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060 or the First Baptist Church, PO Box 2110 Spartanburg. SC 29304 (the church he faithfully attended each Sunday by watching the service on television).

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