Johnny Louis Long

Obituary For Johnny Louis Long

Johnny Louis Long, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away
peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 86. In an extraordinary testament to the bond they
shared, his dear sister, Mary Long Edwards, also passed away just hours later on the same day.
Johnny was born on April 8, 1939, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, to the late John
Hartwell Long and Louise Sims Long, both natives of Union, South Carolina. Raised in a close-
knit family, he learned early on the values of love, faith, and perseverance—qualities he carried
with him throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Lincoln High School in Fairforest, South Carolina, Johnny went on to build
a long and successful career at Bausch & Lomb, Inc., where he was respected by colleagues and
friends alike for his strong work ethic, fairness and steady leadership as a plant supervisor. His
time there was not just a job but an opportunity to connect with others and make lasting
friendships.

Johnny’s greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family. He was a devoted husband to
Detria Earles Long and took immense pride in being a loving father to Kenneth Kelly, Johnny
DeWayne Long, Sr., and Dr. Todd Earles Long. His heart was the fullest when surrounded by his
grandchildren—Kennedy Bryn Long, Johnny DeWayne Long, Jr., and Ezra Cager Simmons-
Long—who were the light of his life and the source of his proudest moments.

His family was truly the center of Johnny’s world. He found his greatest happiness in hosting
family, sharing stories from his youth, and laughing with his children and grandchildren. He
made everyone feel welcome and valued, and his home was a place of warmth, love, and
laughter.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Wilhelmenia Long Brannon. He is survived by his
sister, Carrie E. Tanner. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and countless friends who
will forever cherish his memory and the kindness he showed to all of them.

Johnny was a man of unwavering faith and a dedicated member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic
Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. His church community was another family to him, and
he lived his faith with quiet strength and generosity of spirit.

A lifelong baseball player and passionate fan, Johnny spent countless hours playing and watching
the sport he loved. He delighted in sharing his enthusiasm with others, whether it was cheering
from the stands or recounting his favorite baseball stories. His sense of humor and infectious
laughter could brighten the darkest day and will be remembered by all who knew him.
Johnny will be remembered for his warm heart, his gift for storytelling, and his steadfast
devotion to family and friends. He was a man of integrity, humility, and unwavering love—a
man who taught those around him the importance of faith and the power of a joyful spirit.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, friends, and community
members who offered love and support to Johnny and his family during his final days.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Good Shepherd Memorial Park, 4164 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs, SC.

Mr. Long will lie in state on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 9, 2025 one hour prior to the service at the chapel.