Gunnery Sergeant Fred Andrew Long, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), 68, of Columbia, SC, died peacefully at home in his sleep on July 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Laurie, and faithful companion dogs, Hamilton and Madison. Fourth of July fireworks boomed and lit up the night sky. A fitting send off for Fred Long, who made the world brighter and more colorful for his family, friends, and co-workers. His battle was over, and this Marine went home.

Fred was born on January 31, 1956, in Yokosuka, Japan to the late LCDR, USN (Retired) Charles David and Barbara Dare (Mangham) Long. Fred loved to tell stories about his childhood adventures with his brothers and sister living in different places at their father's duty stations.

Fred Long was a husband, father, brother, friend, handy-man, and highly motivated Marine. He was intensely proud of his family, the Corps, his dogs, his home, and work. Fred loved to tell short stories and make people laugh. He also loved to work and had a profound work ethic, working diligently to make sure the job was completed to the best of his ability.

"Once a Marine, always a Marine" was especially true of Fred Long. Fred was a true patriot who had a very distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps. Fred touched many lives in his various positions and duty stations, including his time as a Marine Corps recruiter. Fred achieved many decorations, medals, badges, and awards. Fred and his family have many wonderful memories from their time in the Marines at duty stations in Beaufort, South Carolina, Philadelphia, and Columbia. Family and friends have many happy memories of Fred's loud "Oorah" and push up contests.

Fred's son, Zachary, followed in the family Marine Corps tradition. One of the greatest joys for Fred was June 28, watching Zachary be promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. Fred had gone into hospice, and a very special promotion ceremony took place at the Long family home where Fred, Laurie, Zachary's family, uncles, were able to be present for his promotion, with his Cousin LCDR David Long (USN) acting as his promoting officer. The Long family expresses their deep appreciation to all those who helped make this special promotion possible, a dream come true for Fred who was intensely proud of his son, Zachary.

After retiring from the Marines, Fred went to work with his brother-in-law and dear friend, Doug Satterfield. They installed dental x-ray systems. Fred enjoyed his years working and traveling with Doug. Fred was proud of their business.

Fred and his family also enjoyed time at the Satterfield beach home in South Carolina and cherished relaxing weekends with Laurie's family, Paul and Jean Moore, at their home on the lake in Ninety-Six, South Carolina.

Fred was very handy and made their homes special with his woodworking creations, gardening, and special turtle habitat for Zachary. Fred was never shy in recruiting help from the young men he mentored. Fred loved to grill for his family and friends, and we will cherish the memories of fun gatherings with good home-cooking, lively conversation, and Fred's laughter.

Fred and Laurie were blessed to have Zachary marry beautiful Kendall, and bless their lives with four precious grandchildren, Braxton, Landon, Weston, and sweet little Raegan. Fred adored each of his grandchildren and loved each moment with them, watching their sports, celebrating holidays, and time together. His grandchildren were the light of his world, and his love for them will be never ending.

Fred loved his dogs, Hamilton and Madison, who were his devoted companions especially in recent months. Fred recently took his dogs on a trip to see the ocean for the first time. Dogs have been important to Fred and his family, including Charlie who recently passed and their first dog, Lucy.

In May, Fred planned a "bucket list" trip to the beach to celebrate his and Laurie's anniversary. They cherished their time together, ending each day watching the sunset together over the ocean.

Fred leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Laurie Long; son, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, Zachary A. Long (Kendall); brothers, Master Chief, USN (Retired) Steven D. Long (Sharon), Jeffrey D. Long, Alan D. Long (Mary); a sister, Barbara Denise Delaughter (Wade); grandchildren, Braxton, Landon, Weston, and Raegan; brothers-in-law, Doug Satterfield and Jim Moore; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Semper Fi, Fred Long. We loved having you in our lives and know that you will be with us always.

A visitation will be held at on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Whitaker Funeral Home – Chapin. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a committal ceremony with military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia.

Memorial contributions may be made to Folds of Honor: foldsofhonor.org/donate or to the Carolina Wildlife Center: carolinawildlife.org.

Memories and messages may be shared with the family here on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Long family.