Bill Long

Bill Eugene Long was born September 13, 1942 in Haleyville, Alabama, to William Verd and Mary Lottie Long. He passed away at his home of 53 years on June 14, 2025.

At age 17, Bill married Ruth Ann Harris, to this union, one son was born, Danny Eugene Long. After Ruth’s passing, Bill met and married Crenna Louise Renfro and they added a daughter to their family, Sonja Dee Long.

Bill worked as a lineman across the country installing phone lines and the family travelled with him. When the children were old enough to start school, they moved to Missouri, where Crenna was raised. Here, Bill spent countless hours building a home for their family. He built their house with what tools and time he had, outside of full-time work in Springfield, Missouri, installing traffic signals. It was at this job that he gained experience operating a backhoe and realized he loved the work. Soon after, he was able to purchase his own backhoe and started Long’s Backhoe and worked in Wright County until his retirement at age 62.

In his free time and throughout his retirement, Bill loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and wood working. Bill and Crenna’s home is full of various prizes from their endeavors. The deer and elk heads on the walls, the handmade kitchen table, even the canned vegetables on the shelves remind us that he never stopped providing for his family. He also created many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family and friends throughout the years that they can treasure. He never missed an opportunity to share vegetables from his garden or advice on one of his favorite topics. He was a hard worker and loved his family dearly.

Bill was preceded by his parents, William and Mary Lottie Long; his wife, Ruth Ann Harris Long; and four brothers, James, Nathan, Hubert, and Doyle Long.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Crenna Louise Long; son, Danny Eugene Long and wife, Kerri; daughter, Sonja Dee Headings and husband, Darold; six grandchildren, Kaleb and Cori Long, Katie and Jesse Jones, Yolanda and Eric Troyer, Brian Headings, Kendra Headings, and April Headings; and seven great-grandchildren, Kai and Kolin Long, Oliver, Nora, Josie, and Ruby Jones, and Everly Troyer.

Bill and Crenna had 58 happy years together. He will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery in memory of Bill.