Charles Ray Long
Born December 22, 1944 in Harlan County, KentuckyPassed November 17, 2024 in Palm Bay, Florida
Charles Ray Long “Pop” born December 22, 1944 in a small town in Harlan County, Kentucky went to be with the Lord this past Sunday afternoon on November 17, 2024 in Palm Bay, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jonnie Sue Long, their three sons, Darrell Ray Long & wife Michelle, Charles Stacey Long and James Thomas Long, 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Charles was most well known as “Pop,” not solely by his children or grandchildren, but to nearly everyone who knew him, or of him, he was “Pop.” Some remember him as “Chili-bun” and a special few called him Charlie.
Charles grew up in hill country in a dry town in Eastern Kentucky with his father & mother, Chester & Ruth, and three sisters, Imogene, Chestina & Connie, where he graduated from Evarts High School. His hometown was well known as “Bloody Harlan” from the history of the Harlan County War over the coal mines and the Union. Charles worked in the coal mines for just a few days before his parents put an end to his laboring for an unjust industry.
He then worked in the sawmill on the timber yard until he hitchhiked his way to West Melbourne, Florida in 1964. Soon he met his beloved life-long best friend, Jonnie Sue Hembree, in March of 1964. Two years later he married his sweetheart on November 4, 1966. Charles & Jonnie shared the same hometown in Harlan County, Kentucky and this was just the beginning of an endless love story.
Charles spent most of his life working in construction, whether it be pouring concrete or laying block. It’s safe to say he helped build much of this town we all call home. Although he was a hard working man with no stopping or slowing down in his sights, and the grit of a good ole country boy, many loved his wit and humorous side most. A day couldn’t pass by without Pop making someone laugh or holler, whether it be at him or with him. He sure had much to say, secrets to keep, and gossip to hear. But all in all, he was a natural jokester, a true comedian.
Charles loved sports. Whether it be football, watching his Dallas Cowboys or Miami Hurricanes play, or baseball watching the Dodgers beat those Yankees, but there was nothing greater than watching Kentucky Basketball games. With three boys, he & Jonnie spent 14 years on the bleachers watching their boys play football, baseball and basketball. As a grandfather, he watched his grandkids play baseball, softball, football, basketball, even cheerleading, pageants and dance recitals. He never missed a graduation, and loved attending weddings where he could dance with his wife, and maybe gossip a little too.
Through the grit of his Kentucky upbringing, some would attest to his softer side, a caring & loving soul. Rather stone, but a heart of gold. He and his wife, Jonnie Sue, spent most of their life raising children. Theirs and everyone’s. He was stern and iron-willed, but he was forgiving and providing even more.
Blessed by his southern charm. May God rest his soul & hold him high on that mountain, until we meet again.
A Memorial Service will be at Lifepoint Church of Palm Bay, Florida on Saturday December 7th At 11am followed by a reception to celebrate his life at Lake Washington Pavillion.
