Ben Long Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ben Long on September 13, 2022. Ben was born in Riverside, NJ to the late Al Long and Billye McMahon. Ben graduated from Baylor Military Academy in the early 1950’s and attended Auburn University. His business interests and experiences ran the gamut from serving as the Executive Director of the Warehouse Distributors Association to running his own successful manufacturers’ national sales agency, which represented the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing after-market industries, for thirty-five years.

He is survived by his children (Leigh, Charles, Kevin, and Ben), grandchildren (Andrea, Audrey, Margaret, Daisy, Laura, and Christian), and great grandchildren (Georgia, Josie, Owen, Elijah, and Lucy). His pride and joy were his family members, including two sons, Ben and Kevin, who were almost as good golfers as he. Ben had other life-long interests including Tennessee Walking horses, antique cars, military history, and large herding dogs. While not necessarily a regular churchgoer, he was a devout and faithful Christian. Of the things in this world, he treasured his life-long and close friends, the memories of playing the most challenging golf courses in America with many of these friends, and the simple joy of walking his Bouvier de Flandres first thing in the morning.

What he enjoyed most was taking the time to know a person and understand his or her walk in life and how life’s battles shaped their lives. He left a lasting impression on those with whom he spent time and is remembered for his uncomplicated kindness, openness, authenticity, and gentlemanly wry Scottish wit.

Towards the end of his life, a very special couple and close personal friends, Charlie and Ada of Little River, SC, visited him every late afternoon over five months both in the hospital and nursing home, feeding him his evening meal. They shared stories, offered love and encouragement, prayed with and for him, called his children so he could say “hi,” and at the end of each visit, offered him a world-class backrub. What a wonderful gift they gave him and his family.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at Lee Funeral Home on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to a local nonprofit outreach ministry, an international Christian missionary, the Bouvier des Flandres Rescue organization, or a charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Long family.