William (Bill) Hollis Long was born December 15, 1924, and
passed away October 10, 2013.
Bill was the son of Ralph H. and Nellie L. Long.
He was born and raised in Springfield and always said,
“If you live in God’s country why would you ever want to
go anywhere else!”
Bill was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather,
brother, uncle, and friend to all. His amazing attitude,
warmth, smile, intelligence and love for his family and
friends will be missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Diemer
Long, and wife, Patsy Long. He is survived by his daughter,
Caryn Long; his son William (Billy) H. Long II and his wife,
Barbara; his granddaughters Kaleen and Kelle Long; his
grandson, Caleb Crawford; his sister Margery Wilson and
her husband J. Randolph Wilson; his sister-in-laws Peggy
Fredrick and Evon Long; seven nieces; one nephew; his cousin
Harry Baker and his wife Joanna; his cousin Mike Long and
his wife Cathy; his best friend, Junior Cline; his cat Morris VIII
and many lifelong friends.
Bill was a graduate of Greenwood High School Class of 1942.
He was an outstanding athlete in high school and college and
was on the 1942 State Championship Basketball team, which
he led with the highest scoring average of all Missouri high
school players.
He entered the Navy V-12 program and attended Harvard
University receiving a commission as an Ensign. Bill served
his country in the South Pacific and Japan. He completed his
BA degree at Southwest Missouri State and was a member
of the Letterman Club. Bill was involved in the family furniture
business, an investor, real estate developer and stock broker.
Bill’s kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He taught us
all the value of being positive under all circumstances. His
loyalty, strength, perseverance, and love of the St. Louis
Cardinals will be missed by all who knew him.
His memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Memorial contributions in his name
may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield or St. Jude’s
Research Hospital.