CONWAY, S.C. — 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.

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.

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 & Chapin with a total of 44 years of service from 1954-1998. He received the Founders Award from B&C 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, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 6 at Maple Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Reaves and Rev. Mark Howard officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Published in Laurinburg Exchange from May 7 to May 8, 2018