Joel Riley Long Jr.

Joel Riley Long Jr. age 56. Passed away June 20th 2026, at home. Surrendered his heart to Jesus March 30, 2008.

Joel was born February 20th 1970 to Joel Riley Long Sr. and Sally Ann Peppers. He lived in Hull, Ga with his wife of 28 years, Debra Jeane Long. Joel was a Certified Master Automotive Technician and worked at Main Street Auto (previously Watkinsville Service Center) since 2011.

All his life, Joel enjoyed working on cars and was an avid biker. Since he was a child, Joel had a passion for working on cars and motorcycles. He was always fixing them up, taking them apart and putting them back together. As you can imagine his favorite sport to watch and participate in was racing. Drag racing, stock car, formula 1 and drifting but his favorite, for the longest time was Nascar. As a gift from his wife for Father’s Day, he got to fulfill a life long dream and drive on the Myrtle Beach Speedway in South Carolina.

Throughout his life, Joel had many adventures. From horseback riding, white water rafting to even spelunking. During his time in Tennessee with his wife Debra, he was part of the Bellshire Assembles of God youth group as a leader for kids and teens. He was a beloved and active member of the church community.

Joel was an inspiration. He was a husband,father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and a friend who will be deeply missed by all of us.

He is survived by his wife Debra Jean Long, daughter Leah, daughter Jennifer Renae Long -Blair, son Chance Long and son in law Chris Blair. His mother Sally Ann Peppers, father Gene Peppers, sisters Robin Pepper Hudson, Peggy Long Bently, Amanda Veal Brown, Becky Peppers, Jesse Long and brother James Earl Long.

He is preceded in death by his father Joel Riley Long Sr. his brother Russell Peppers and his grandmother Violet Bell Whitley Allen.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the pallbearers and the additional riders : “Chappy” Hynes, David Stone, DJ Stone, Taylor Gable, Jack Spinks, Jeremy Sheilds and Storm Russell for taking Joel on his final ride.

Services for Joel will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM in the chapel of Lord and Stephens Funeral, Athens. Kevin “Chappy” Hynes will officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM -12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Colbert City Cemetery. 

Joel 2:12  

“Even now, declare the Lord return to me with all your heart with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com