Joseph Bayes Long of Sissonville, 94, died Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Sweetbriar Assisted Living, where their caring staff watched over him for three years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lynn; mother, Violet and father James; five sisters and two brothers.

He is survived by his two sons, Joe Long Jr. (wife Connie) of Beaufort, NC and David Wayne Long (wife Catherine) of Bedford, England; and daughter, Melinda Perry (husband Steve) of Charleston.  He had seven grandchildren, Alisha Curry, Anna Reed, Hayley Long, Joanna Barrett, Elizabeth Richardson, Steven Perry, Melanie Perry; and three great grandchildren, Harlee Curry, Ethan Reed-McErlean and Josephine Richardson.

Joe was a professional driver and Teamster.  He hauled concrete block for Kanawha Block, where he met his love Lynn.  As a trucker, he was employed by Bell Lines and Smith Transfer.  Later he drove a school bus in Sissonville and for the Cross Lanes YMCA.  Working for Jolly Travelers, he drove charter buses.  Joe had a valid commercial drivers license well into his 80s, an accomplishment he highly valued.  While he did not pursue flying as an hobby, he soloed and earned his pilots license for small aircraft.

He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, working in the food pantry because Joe said we should all "care for others".

Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 5 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Sam McMinn.  Burial will follow in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Sissonville.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6823 Sissonville Dr, Charleston, WV 25320.

Arrangements are in care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net