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Benjamin N. Long, 83, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Friday, January 29, 2021.

The graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Black Jack Baptist Church Cemetery with Wes Williams officiating. Alex Long, Tyler Long, Jason Long, Griffin Long, Ivy Merriman and Brian Merriman will serve as active pallbearers. Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to maintain the recommended safe social distancing of six feet and/or wear protective masks in accordance with the State of Georgia guidelines.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lighthouse Children’s Home 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Fla. 32309.

Benjamin Long was born August 27, 1937 in Bainbridge, Ga., the son of Woodrow and Erlene Harrell Long. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School and attended both Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia. He earned a master’s degree in animal science. Ben married Joan Griffin in 1957 and they made their home in Bainbridge. He was a member and deacon of Black Jack Baptist Church.

A simple life is sometimes the best life. Ben Long knew that. He loved riding dirt roads, discovering new things, dove hunting, fishing, and a good mullet plate. He valued hard work and the customers that kept him in business. Ben was a godly man who knew a strong foundation began with family and how you treated others was your real legacy. He was a living testimony to his faith.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joan Griffin Long; his children, Phil & Diane Long and Steve & Amy Long; his grandchildren, Alex Long, Tyler Long, Jason Long, Griffin Long and Ivy & Brian Merriman; and his siblings, Jerry & Ann Long Pillow of Ft. Worth, TX, Don & Wanda Long of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Jim & Frances Long Forrester of Dahlonega, Ga., Nancy Long Brown of Griffin, Ga., and Gerald & Janice Long of Bainbridge, Ga.. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Wayne Brown.