Charlie M. Long

Charlie M. Long, age 83, of Saluda passed away on March 2, 2026. He was born October 22, 1942 in Greenwood, South Carolina, son of the late John Astor and Bessie Tharpe Long.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of forty-nine years, Beth Welch Long, and one sister, Cheryll (Cheri) Long Crouch.

He was a proud graduate of Saluda High School, attended Clemson University, and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, South Carolina.

Charlie enjoyed a long and successful career as a Computer Design Engineer with NCR Corporation of West Columbia, South Carolina.

He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the South Carolina Army National Guard after 27 years of service as a Combat Engineer.

In retirement, Charlie loved helping others while working at Jackson Hewitt offices in Batesburg, Greenwood, and Aiken, South Carolina.

He was an active member of Wittenberg Lutheran Church of Leesville where he sang with the Men’s Choir and participated in many other activities with his church family.

Charlie enjoyed outdoor activities and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He remained a strong and steady presence beside his family throughout his life.  As Anne Geddes once said, “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad,” and to us, he was that and more.

He is survived by his son, Todd McGowan Long, Sr. (Brenda); daughter Sally Elizabeth Long; and three grandchildren, Todd McGowan Long, Jr. (Ansleigh), Shawn Lamont Belcher, Jr., and Abby Elizabeth Belcher.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at Wittenberg Lutheran Church in Leesville, South Carolina.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall following the graveside service.

Memorials can be made to Wittenberg Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 3447, Leesville, South Carolina 29070.  Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic Batesburg-Leesville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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