David Carlton Long

David Carlton Long, 96, passed away on October 23rd at Jesse Helms Nursing Center with members of his family at his bedside. He was one of nine children born to William David Long and Blanche Huntley Long in Jefferson Township, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. The family moved to the Mint Hill area when he was a young child and he lived in Union County most of his life. He was predeceased by his wife Eloise Leonard Long, his parents, brother William Kemp Long and his wife Addie Mae Long, sister Nellie York and her husband William John York, sister Winnie Ruth Long, sister Edith Williams and her husband Leonard Augustus Williams, brother Thomas Paul Long and his wife Dorothy Lee, brother Donald Franklin Long and his wife Colleen and sister Martha Elizabeth Long. He is survived by his step son, Henry Leonard and Henry’s children, Gaye Stathis (husband Jim), Susan Leonard, and Clay Leonard (wife Laurie) and great grandson John Carlton Stathis as well as his only remaining sibling, Maida Long McComb and her husband Harvey Ellis McComb, III. Surviving also are 18 nieces and nephews. There are numerous spouses of the nieces and nephews who survive, along with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. The family also wishes to acknowledge and give thanks to his caregiver, Janna Rigsbee, for her help and devotion the last few years of David’s life.

Mr. Long who was known by his family and friends by various names. Some people referred to him as “David”. Some people referred to him as “Con,” “Uncle Con” or “Carlton”. Other members of the family called him “Tip”. No matter which name you chose, he was known by all to be the kindest, steadfast, most generous and humble gentleman with a big heart. He was always there to help anyone who came along. He worked for the Great A&P Company for many years before retiring to be with his wife and tend to his garden and his cows. He loved tinkering with anything with a motor and was always working on his tractors and lawn mowers. He had a bountiful garden every summer and loved to be out in the field where he grew the best tomatoes, corn, melons, peas, beans and the list goes on and on. He provided a home for his parents and his sister for most of their lives on the property where he built his own home for himself and his wife Eloise on Highway 218.

David was a faithful follower of Christ and child of God his entire life and a longtime member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Matthews. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Friday October 30, 2020 at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel. A graveside burial service will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday October 31, 2020 at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Eloise.

Pallbearers are David Clontz, Clay Leonard, Frank Leonard, Eric McComb, Jim Stathis, and John Stathis.

The family would like to thank the staff of Jesse Helms Nursing Center, particularly Holly and Paula, for caring for David Long this year.

Condolences may be offered online at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.