SAM LONG

Samuel Millard Long, 91, of Lexington, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Sept. 3, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago Long and Lillian (Smith) Long; brothers Lewis Long and Walter Long; and sisters Margaret Fowler, Nadine Dudley and Hallie Heil.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gwendolyn Harlow Long; daughters Lisa Long-Chambers of Lexington and Tracy Long-Snyder (Scott Snyder); granddaughter Emily Snyder of Troutville; and brother Woodrow Long of Stratford, Conn.; and very dear friends Edith Wiseman of Lexington and Rick Lutz of Atlanta.

Sam served in the Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Giessen, Germany. He retired from Surplus Manufacturing Co. in Chicago Heights, Ill., as a sales manager in 1993. In 1971, he purchased property on Route 39 in Lexington and told his wife Gwen he wanted to open a campground. Throughout the years he enjoyed building and expanding Long’s Campground and meeting people and making friends from all over the country.

After retirement, he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. He was an Elder Emeritus at the Lauderdale A.R. Presbyterian Church in Lexington.

Sam loved traveling around the country in his motorhome with his wife and taking various trips abroad. He enjoyed country music, working outside in the yard and loved talking and laughing with family, friends and strangers alike. He had a kind heart that was full of grace, a great sense of humor, a radiant smile and was always there for a friend who needed his help.

A graveside funeral will be held at the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery on Sept. 9 at 11 a.m. and will be officiated by the Rev. Benjamin Dowling III.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Rockbridge Area Hospice in Lexington, or Lauderdale ARP Church in Lexington.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

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