Merlyn “Merl” Ray Long, 66, of Statesville, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Merl was born June 15, 1957, in Washington County, Ohio, and was the son of the late Robert and Vera Haines Long. He was a graduate of Mid-East Vocational School in Welding and Fabrication and then entered the U.S. Air Force. On June 6, 1981, he married his “Sweety,” Pamila Gentry Long, who survives. He worked in construction most of his adult life and loved creating “original Merl’s” for his clients. In 2022 he started Merl’s Construction LLC.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Jason Long (Kari) of Kentucky, and Jonathan Long (Jennifer) of Statesville; six grandchildren, Isabelle, Maddie, Elizabeth, Lexie, James and Oakleigh Long; along with one sister, Carolyn Rutherford (Richard) of Ohio, and one brother, Galen Long (Candie) of Ohio.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Burgess officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with full military honors. The family will visit with friends on Thursday at the church from 1 until 2 p.m.

Memorials in Merl’s honor may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038. 

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Merl Long.