Merlyn Ray “Merl” Long
Merlyn Ray “Merl” Long, 66, of Statesville, NC, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Born on June 15, 1958, at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, Ohio, Merl was the son of the late Robert and Vera (Haines) Long of Caldwell, Ohio. He graduated from Mid-East Vocational School with a focus in Welding and Fabrication before joining the United States Air Force. During his service, he was stationed in South Korea, Panama City, Florida, Denver, Colorado, San Antonio, Texas and Goldsboro, North Carolina.
On June 6, 1981, Merl married his “Sweetie,” Pamila Gentry Long, who survives. Merl worked in construction for most of his adult life and was known for creating unique projects affectionately called “Original Merl’s.” In 2022, he founded Merl’s Construction LLC.
Merl is also survived by two sons: Jason (Kari) Long of Kentucky and Jonathan (Jennifer) Long of Statesville, NC; six grandchildren: Isabelle, Maddie, Elizabeth, Lexie, James, and Oakleigh Long; one sister, Carolyn (Richard) Rutherford of Caldwell, OH; and one brother, Galen (Candie) Long of Caldwell, OH.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Beulah Baptist Church in Statesville, NC, with Rev. Brian Burgess officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Troutman Funeral Home in Troutman, NC is serving the family of Merl Long.