Official Obituary of Sandford Auther Long March 1, 1955 ~ February 17, 2024 (age 68)

Graveside services for Sandford Auther Long, 68, of Portales, will be held on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 at 2:00pm at Portales cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Tristen Clark, Zachary Long, Jacob Long and Samuel Long.

Celebration of Life gathering will immediately follow services tba.

Sandford Auther Long peacefully passed Saturday February 17th , 2024 with his wife Debra Long by his side.  Sandford is also best known by (Sam).  Born March 1st 1955 to Earl and Clarice Long in Vernon Texas.  He was the fourth born of seven siblings, Joan, Carson, Sandra, Steven, Mary and Charles.  He was preceded in death by his brother Carson (Butch) Long.  Sandford married Debra Kay Crain July 1st 1971 in Portales New Mexico.  They had three children Tammy, Sandford and preceded in death by his daughter Sarah Lounell.  Sandford has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren and is expecting another.  He has many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and family he loved dearly.   He will be missed deeply.  Sandford’s Love for music was shared by everyone who knew him.  He loved working on cars with his kids and grandchildren.  He was a carpenter most of his life.  He studied at ENMU for a music degree.  Sandford and Debra moved around but spent most of their lives together in Portales NM.  Sandford will be missed for his kindness and his music and his willingness to always help others in need.

Monetary donations for the family would be welcomed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandford Auther Long, please visit our floral store.