William Long Obituary
William Kenneth Long, Sr., 85, of Cordele, Georgia, passed away on September 9, 2025. The family will receive friends at Clark Funeral Home in Hawkinsville on Friday, September 12th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Lake Blackshear Baptist Church, 650 Coney Road S., Cordele, Georgia 31015 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with Brother Phil Streetman officiating. Interment will follow at Pulaski-Bleckley Memorial Gardens in Bleckley County at 1:30 PM.
Mr. Long was born on November 19, 1939, in Eastman, Georgia, to William Edward Long and Dollie Love Long. He graduated from Hawkinsville High School in 1957 and went on to enjoy a successful 40-year career in contract procurement at Warner Robins Air Force Base, retiring in 1995.
Upon retirement, Mr. Long and his wife relocated to Lake Blackshear, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, and hosting large family gatherings during holidays and long weekends. He was a dedicated supporter of Hawkinsville Red Devil football and was honored with the HHS Red Devil Booster Club Award in 2021. Mr. Long was also a passionate fan of University of Georgia football, a tradition he lovingly passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of Lake Blackshear Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class.
Mr. Long is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Sara Johnson Long; his sons, William Kenneth Long, Jr. (Beth) of Canton, GA, and Michael Keith Long (Holly) of Hawkinsville, GA; his grandchildren, Michael Long of New York, Will Long III (Courtnie) of Canton, GA, Kelli McKinney (Colton) of Perry, GA, and Kyle Long of Leesville, SC; great-grandchildren, Nash and Knox of Canton, GA; his brother, Tommy Long (Sandra) of Perry, GA; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and his canine best friend, Buddy.
Donations may be made to Lake Blackshear Baptist Church, (650 Coney Rd. Cordele Ga. 31015).
Clark Funeral Home of Hawkinsville, Georgia entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
142 Commerce St P.O. Box 115, Hawkinsville, GA 31036
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for William Long
Make a Donation
in William Long's name
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Long's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
