William E. "Willie" Long

William E. "Willie" Long, age 72, of Battle Creek died Sunday, May 8, 2016. He was born on August 28, 1943, in Dayton, Tennessee, his Father, Noah Daniel Long, was 27 and his Mother, Louise (Patterson) Long, was 23. He was raised in Bartlebaugh, Tennessee until about his teens.The family then moved here to Battle Creek, where he met and married his wife of 55 years, Beverly Joan Bernheisel on September 25, 1961. She survives.

They had four children during their marriage, DeWayne Long of Battle Creek, Deanna (William) Adair of Fairview, Oklahoma, Shirley Sampson of Harrison, Tennessee, and Johanna (Clayton) Dove of Battle Creek. He also is survived by 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, but was sadly preceded by his grandson, Brian Adair. Also surviving are sisters, Patricia Gallagher of Battle Creek, Carolyn Woodward of Hixson, Tennessee; and brother, Luther Daniel Long of Rossville, Georgia. He was preceded by a sister, Shirley Crowder of Chattanooga in 2009.

Willie worked for Harris Property Management for many years, and was a handy man for many. He liked to socialize at bingo halls and enjoyed going to the casinos, attending Bombers games, and NASCAR. Many sought his advice and he was like a Father to many as well. He could easily make people laugh and love him.

A visitation will be held 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A memorial celebration will be held at the Eagles in Battle Creek at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.



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