Kermit M. Long

1949 - 2026

After more than 50 years of ensuring the health and safety of thousands of God's children during times of crisis, Kermit Mack Long, 76, of Lexington, South Carolina, went to his heavenly home on the afternoon of Sunday, March 15, 2026 with his wife and daughter by his side. Kermit was born in Belmont, Mississippi, on April 30, 1949, to Corbitt Earl and Bernell McNeice Long. He was a 1967 graduate of Belmont High School. Kermit worked for Emergency Medical Services in Mississippi and South Carolina for over 50 years - a remarkable tenure of care and compassion for which he was recognized last summer. Kermit, who was employed by Guardian EMS at the time of his death, provided lifesaving care during his patients' most vulnerable moments, often working long, exhaustive hours and dealing with trauma and stress to protect the community. His prompt, skilled care and unwavering dedication to patients made him and all of his colleagues an indispensable link in the chain of survival. Kermit was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who will be remembered most for his passion for Honey Buns and slamming doors - but mostly for never saying goodbye without including, "I love you."

Kermit is survived by his wife, the Rev. Sharon "Shay" Long, and their daughter, Kaiti of Lexington. Kermit is also survived by his sons, Chris (Andrea) and Derek (Christy); four grandchildren, Abbie Grace and Cooper Long, and Eliza and Drew Long, all of Tupelo, Mississippi. Also surviving are his uncle, G.A. McNeice (Wanda) of Centre, Alabama; his mother-in-law, Louise Wise of Cayce; and multiple brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, a nephew, and a grand-niece and a grand-nephew.

Kermit's life, and the impact it had on those fortunate to have known him, will be remembered in a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cayce United Methodist Church, 1600 12th Street, Cayce, South Carolina 29033.

Kermit was a big Ole Miss fan - because who wants to be a Mississippi State fan (ugh, those cowbells!) - so wearing navy blue and red is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be shared with Palmetto Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, P.O. Box 1523, Lexington, SC 29071; or Mill Creek United Methodist Church, 1041 Old Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209.

In John's Gospel, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment, "that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." In both his family life and his public service, Kermit Mack Long truly lived this commandment to the fullest.