Stephen Long

NORFOLK, Va. - Stephen Kelly Long, 75, died peacefully on Nov. 24, 2015, at Sentara Norfolk General from complications after a battle with cancer. His family was by his side.

Born in Charlotte, NC to Harry G. and Catherine L. Long, Stephen was the third of four children (Sherry, Harry, Stephen, Walter).

He graduated from Clemson University in 1962 with a degree in Industrial Management. While at Clemson, he helped organize, and was the first president of, the local fraternity Sigma Alpha Zeta, which later became a chapter of the national fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. As a senior, he was also elected Chief Cheerleader. Throughout his life, Stephen remained a passionate and devoted Clemson fan at-tending numerous football games with family and friends.

During his senior year, he met Mary Anne Gault at Columbia College. They married in March 1964 and settled in North Carolina where Stephen built his career in the textile industry. They had two children: Jennifer Anne (Jenna) and Stephen Kelly, Jr. (Steve). Mary died from complications from lung cancer in 2004.

Stephen and his future wife, Sandra Richter, met during a beach music festival in Myrtle Beach. They married in May 2010 and he moved his residence to Chesapeake, VA. Stephen got in Sandy a permanent dance partner. They enjoyed shag dancing, and for two years, Stephen served as President of the Boogie on The Bay Shag Club. He was also an avid golfer and continued playing regularly until he became ill.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Sandra Long; two brothers, Harry Long, Jr (Jane) and Walter Long (Cathie); his daughter Jenna Lambert (Larry) and his son Steve Long (Ron Wootten); step-children Keith Richter (Jill), Laurie Sargent (Matthew), Carrie Richter (Frank Daniels); along with three grandchildren Lauren, Jack, and Landon Lambert and step-grandchildren Caden and Josh Richter; Jonas Sargent. He was preceded in death by his mother Catherine, father Harry and sister Sherry.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, December 5 at 1 p.m. at the Chesapeake Chapel of HD Oliver Funeral Apts, 1416 Cedar Road. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately follow-ing the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a special fund set up at Clemson, the Stephen Long '62 Memorial Holding Account, and sent to the Clemson University Foundation, PO Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633. "For the Stephen Long '62 Memorial Holding Account" should be written on the check.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.