Clayton "Sonny" Long

Conway.....Clayton "Sonny" Long, 83, husband of Minnie Bell Long, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Born April 24, 1935 in Conway, Mr. Long was the son of the late William Mack and Sallie Clayton Long. Clayton "Sonny" Long left the old, painful life for his home in glory. He was home, the house he built with his own hands, with family and friends gathered around, while surrounded by the thoughts and prayers of many. Alzheimer's stole him years ago, but the wonderful memories we have stand in defiance of this horrible disease. He served in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge. He learned many heavy equipment skills that served him the rest of his life. He was the plumber for the current Maple Baptist Church fellowship building, though he assisted with virtually every other aspect too. He was a trustee for numerous years at Maple Baptist Church, and regularly repaired everything needing attention. These were usually Saturday evening trips, to make sure no one else was around. He got his approval knowing it was an act of service for his Lord and Savior. He performed land clearing, renovations, and cemetery upkeep at Thompson Cemetery. He was a master at carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and virtually anything else, except two things- he did not like to paint or do automotive work. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for the Amedisys Hospice and the dignified loving care they gave. We are so grateful for our neighbor, Donna, who was literally an angel to our family, and the compassion she repeatedly demonstrated. He began his career with the Jerry Cox Company. He later moved to another division, Burroughs and Collins. They later renamed and he reared from Burroughs and Chapin with a total of 44 years of service from 1954-1998. He received the Founders Award from BandC in 1996. He then started a retirement job with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources from 1998-2007. He was an accomplished hunter, especially for deer. His trophy buck from 1993 scored 148 7/8 and is still the 246th biggest in the entire state, and he is tied for the 2nd largest in Horry County. He was there for several "firsts" with his grandsons. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Minnie Bell Long; his children, Yvonne Long Locklear and husband James of Laurel Hill, NC and Dale Long and wife Sharon of Conway; his grandchildren, Chris Locklear, Matthew Locklear, Wesley Locklear, Ben Long, Grayson Long, and Luke Long; and his great grandchildren, Kyle Locklear and Alex Locklear. Funeral services will be held at 4:30 PM Sunday, May 6, 2018 at Maple Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Reaves and Rev. Mark Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM at the church. Memorials may be sent to Maple Baptist Church Building Fund, 4500 Hwy 65, Conway, SC 29526, Thompson Cemetery Fund, c/o Maple Baptist Church, 4500 Hwy 65, Conway, SC 29526, or to Amedisys Hospice, 391 Seaboard Street, Suite #6, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Clayton "Sonny" Long

April 24, 1935 - May 2, 2018