William R. Long Jr.
Published 6:59 pm Monday, June 29, 2015
William Rupert Long Jr., (LtCol, USAF, retired), age 83, of O’Fallon, Ill., born April 9, 1932, in Selma, passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2015.
Bill grew up in Selma, where he earned his Eagle Scout honor as a young man. He graduated from Auburn University and earned his graduate degree from the University of Alabama.
Bill was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, serving most of his career in Services Squadrons, retiring in 1975 from Scott AFB, Ill., as the director of personnel management. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era and served a tour in Cam Ranh Bay. He had been stationed at Barksdale AFB, La.; Itazuke AB, Japan; the University of Alabama (ROTC); Randolph AFB, Tex.; and Kadena AB, Japan. They made many lifelong friends along the way.
After his Air Force retirement, Bill continued his work with civil service for the following 20 years as recreation director of MWR at Scott AFB. He was a member of O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, where he belonged to the Christian Sportsmen’s Fellowship. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed spending time on the golf course and playing pool with his buddies. His southern heritage, his gift of story-telling and his value of friendship made him a genuinely likable man.
Bill was a devoted father and grandfather and was especially committed to his dear wife, Betty, who passed away Dec. 20, 2013. Betty had been a long-time member of PEO Chapter NR, and Bill’s friendship and support of PEO continued even after her passing.
Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or ALS Association. The online guestbook may be signed at www.wfh-ofallon.com
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann, nee McCauley, Long, and his parents William R. Long Sr., and Myrtis, nee Wilson, Long.
Surviving are his children, Alan (Gelsomina) Long of Peabody, Mass., Cathy (Geoff) Coleman of O’Fallon; dear grandchildren, Jessica Long, Sarah Long, Keegan Coleman and Lilli Coleman; and his brother, Glenn (Ann Ray) Long of Opelika.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. at O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon, Ill.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at 7 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Joel Catlin officiating.
The funeral procession will depart the Wolfersberger Funeral Home at 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2015, for a military graveside service to be held at 2:30 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis. Wolfersberger Funeral Home is located at 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, IL. They can be contacted at (618)-632-3681.