Back to Obituaries J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Johnny Louis Long

Passed 07/04/2025

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.


Condolences & Tributes

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Alice E.Fien sent Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment for Johnny Louis Long - July 08, 2025

Send flowers for Johnny Louis Long

I'm so sorry about the passing of this great man!!!!! prayers for the family!!!!

Dewayne Scott

You are in my prayers. God Bless

CD

My sincere condolences to the family. Praying for strength and comfort thru this trying time.

Janice Crosby

Johnny was a good one. He will be missed. A delightful person to know.

Kathy Jenkins

My condolences to the long family. I really enjoyed Johnny at work at B& L. He was there when I started in 1985. I loved to see him return for employee appreciation dinner every year after he left, he will be missed very much.

Genevie Redding

My sincere condolences to the family. Johnny was such a kind, caring and sincere gentleman. I enjoyed working with him at Bausch & Lomb. Rest in Heavenly Peace

Michelle Rice

We are so sorry for your loss! Look to the heavens and God will guide you. The Johnson Family Draper Line

Carrie Johnson Nolen

My sincerest condolences. Johnny was such a kind person and a great co-worker during my employment with B&L.

Janic Talley

My sincerest condolences. Johnny was such a kind person and a great co-worker during my employment with B&L.

Janic Talley

My Deepest Condolences to the Long Family. Johnny will forever be remembered as a Great Friend and Coworker. 1985 I went to B&L great times great man. 🙏🏽🤍🌹

Karen Harris

The BEST & most HANDSOME loving Uncle!!! Rest in Heaven❤️

Brenda Brannon Campbell

To Long Family Our sympathy for you and Family during this difficult time. May God continues to bless and be with you 🙏

Dianne Dukes Gibson

To the family Johnny was our bus driver and he cared for allthe children on his bus your family are in 0ur prayers

Geraldine Dukes Mcclintock

Deepest condolences to the family, Johnny was a respected man!!!he will be missed!

Barbara Jones

So sad to hear about my friend Johnny. Condolences to the family. He was always so kind and thoughtful when I first came to Bausch and Lomb in 1987. Rest well my friend.

Dee Sullivan Dakers

Long was one of my mentor. And I know this: he was one of the best shop stop in Spartanburg doing the sixties , seventies and eighties!!! We were good friends and he WILL be missed!!!

Roy Lyles

My deepest condolences to the family Mr.Long.😔

Robert Smith

So sorry my condolences. Love y'll

Third

My condolences to the Long family you all are in my prayers.

Eunice Bobo

Deepest condolences to the entire family of Johnny Long. You all are in my thoughts and prayers 💐

Deborah Sweeney

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

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