John Samuel Long, 78, of Columbia, died Saturday, August 6, 2022. Born October 18, 1943, in Jesup, GA, he was the son of the late Charles Udonald and Dillie Youmans Long.

Mr. Long served in the South Carolina National Guard and attended the University of South Carolina, where he studied architecture. He had a prosperous career spanning many years in residential building industry. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Long was employed with Mashburn Construction, was the owner of Long Watts Builders, and lastly was a building inspector for Richland County. He was a master carpenter that appreciated the intricacies of architecture and construction. Mr. Long enjoyed building furniture which often found its way into the home of his children or family members. He loved participating in BBQ competitions and cooking for local fundraisers and charity organizations. Mr. Long appreciated the simplicities of life and will be remembered by all who knew him as a down to earth, country guy.

Survivors include his children, James Kirkpatrick Long of Pascagoula, MS and Tiffiney Potter (Wesley) of Columbia; grandchildren, Sam Long, Alison Long, Warren Potter, Riley Potter, and Johnston Potter. In addition to his parents, Mr. Long was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years in April of 2021, Sandra McCarter Long.

The graveside service for Mr. Long will be held at 11 o'clock, Thursday, August 11th, at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29204. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to SPCA Humane Association, 405 Greenlawn Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.