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BORN
1944
DIED
2024
Charles Long Obituary
June 8, 1944 – October 30, 2024
Bethpage – Charles "Chuck" William Long was born June 8th, 1944 in Bakersfield, California. He passed away October 30th, 2024 in Bethpage, TN.
Charles is survived by his sister, Louella Hoover and her two children, Stephanie Bennett and Michael Filson and their families, along with many loyal friends.
Charles was predeceased by his wife, Wilma Noreen Long and his parents, Iris Michaels and George Julius Long.
Charles spent the majority of his life in Bakersfield. Everyone that knew him recognized his passion for building guitars, talking about guitars and musical equipment. He was a Bakersfield Music Historian. Charles was also a very devoted Christian. He never ate a meal without first giving thanks to God.
Charles served as a bass player and drummer at many churches in Bakersfield. He also played bass, drums and sang for many local rock and country bands in Bakersfield. His passion for playing music and building guitars was infectious to all who knew him. He inspired and was loved by all the musicians in town. He was a constant fixture at guitar shops and stores, such as Gene Moles, Bill Gruggett, Bob Venn and Artie Nieson's Front Porch Music.
He will be missed by all.
Memorial and Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Long
Cecelia Stephenson
August 10, 2025
I just learned that my dear friend , Chuck passed away last yearI knew this sweet guy back in the late 60’s/early 70’s.. I am sad to learn of his death.. I hope there was no suffering.
Terrance Little Brother Richardson
April 19, 2025
Chuck, big brother and neighbor since I was a kid. Thanks for setting a great early example to me of how the world should be. Ill always think of you, remember and miss you brother. Rest well.
Jim Woods
November 15, 2024
Jim Woods
November 13, 2024
Jim Woods
November 7, 2024
A good brother and friend in Christ. Chuck was a hard core Bakersfield Sound guy and always spoke of music, guitars and the past. He is missed. Very talented. Genuine. What you saw was what he was. Really grieved. Chuck was also a permanent member of Reverend Vernon Carr´s Glory Jamboree Band. Thought a lot of me.
-Jim Woods
Ernie Lewis
November 6, 2024
Chuck will always have a place in my heart. He was such a caring man. Making sure that his friends were okay was a priority to him. I only have good memories of my time with him.
Rest in peace Chuck, I´ll see you on the other side. We´ll pick again.
Annie & Don Kidwell
November 6, 2024
Chuck was one of Don´s best friends. He´s known him since he was a teenager. I met him 30 some years ago. Chuck was a good, genuine soul. He and Noreen were very happy together. There are so many things to remember about Chuck. Of course his talk of guitars and what guitars he was building. We used to tease and laugh about how Chuck would want to talk on the phone longer, he would say, Oh come on brother give me 5 more minutes. We will be able to smile about that always while thinking about Chuck. Chuck was just...Chuck. Chuck will always be thought of with love. We miss you already.
Clark Hagan
November 6, 2024
Chuck, I will always remember going to Bakersfield and hanging out at your house there. I made some lifetime memories and learned about so much of the Bakersfield music history there and your connection. You were truly a legend.
Priscilla D. Long
November 6, 2024
Oh my gosh, Charles is my cousin. My parents were Milton F and Rebecca (Becky) Kirchner Long.
I have moved from Bakersfield to Mesquite NV. Please contact me Louella or any other family members. (702)769-0932. I am sad and at a loss that we were not closer. Priscilla Darlene Long
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