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William A. Long Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William A. Long
Tim Williford
May 19, 2025
Thinking of you, Bill.
Tim Williford
May 26, 2024
Thinking of you today, Bill. May God bless you and keep you, your family, and all those who we remember for their sacrifice.
Chris Fall
September 3, 2018
Billy's been popping up in my thoughts a lot lately in the days current political climate. He was my best friend for only a year, but a year is long when you are 10. Whenever I think about him.. and the simply silly stuff we did. He really was a funny guy. I could only imagine how much funnier it would be to know him now. I know I get to see him again someday. I don't ever want to forget him and what he did, it was what he did all his life. Sacrifice... he did it for me when I was young and older. Lets see... I still think it's a little ridiculous how good he was at nintendo.. he had to have some angle. I always assumed it was nintendo power. He was way ahead of the times in knowledge.. We built a stupid cart out of an old skateboard and fought over who got to keep it lol... man.. so petty each of us. I don't like to thinnk so much of my past as it's covered with a lot of Dark clouds. Still praying for his family and shouting out that i'll never forget him.
Peggy Childers
June 18, 2011
To the family and friends of Cpl. William A. Long:
Please accept my remembrance of William on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Tell them of us and say, For their tomorrows, we gave our today.
Garnet Jenkins
October 6, 2010
Peggy Childers
June 18, 2010
To the family and friends of Cpl. William A. Long:
Remembering William on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Elizabeth Jackson
April 16, 2010
Happy Birthday Bill! I love you and miss you. May you truly rest in the peace that the world cannot seem to find.
Ginny Gilbert
August 6, 2009
Cpl. William Long-Eternal Hero. I fly my flag proudly in your honor everyday!
You will never be forgotten by those of us who love America, NEVER. Now at a time when our personal freedoms are in grave danger here at home, we need heros like Cpl. Long. God bless "Billy", God bless his family and now more than ever God bless America.
Cpl William A Long (Billy)
Sue Cordner
June 18, 2009
We still love and miss you Billy.
4 years or 100 years.
Forever entwined.
Love Mom
Peggy Childers
June 18, 2009
To the family of Cpl. William A. Long:
William gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Joy Berends
June 2, 2009
I'm so sorry to read of the loss of this fine soldier. May the Lord comfort you. Thank-you for raising such a wonderful man who was willing to serve our country.
In Memory of William ~ (Debra Estep)
June 18, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know William, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 1, 2008
Please know that you are thought about daily by so many people. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
August 1, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Linda Flannery
June 3, 2007
May the family and friends of this brave young solider find comfort in their loving memories, and know that all of America shares in your sorrow and in your pride. Rest in Peace, Cpl Long. My flag flies in your honor.
Garnet Jenkins
May 30, 2007
In Remembrance of your Fine Young Soldier, Cpl. William A. Long, with so much gratitude for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May William, rest safely now, in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Long family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes, for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
~ Revelations 21:4 ~
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Grateful Country Remembers William's Sacrifice.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
May 29, 2007
love to you all...
Lee Cordner
May 25, 2007
Bill was my son. It's been almost 2 years since (that day) 6/18/05 and I've thought of you each & every day since and miss you terribly. I am very proud of how well you did in your service to your country. From excelling in Basic,Advanced Infantry Training, Jump School at Ft. Benning to being selected to be in the Honor Guard, as well as your service in Iraq. This coming week I will visit your gravesite in Arlington National Cemetary. I know you will be looking down on us on 5/30/07 as your old unit (The Old Guard) dedicates a $10,000,000 Maintence Facility in yours and SSG. Veverka's Memory as the only two soldiers who have served in the Honor Guard and died serving in (Iraqi Freedom). I will love you always.
Dad
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 31, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU ALWAYS. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
nancy chrzanowski
June 17, 2006
there are no words that can tell you how i grieve for your family today. yet i celebrate the love and life of your son. please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! in the 11th hour of this day my heart aches for you.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
June 9, 2006
To the Long family: I previously signed William's guest book. I live close to Arlington National Cemetery and each time I am there I stop by and visit/honor William. I promise I will continue to visit with you. William soon it will be a year since you were taken. You will NEVER be forgotten.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 5, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Long family in the loss of William. I did not know William, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Today while I was visiting other fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery I stopped by and prayed for you and your family. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Cressy Javier
September 11, 2005
I would like to continue to give my support and prayers out to the family. This is a difficult time in your lives, just know that God is always there for you. When you have those moments where you need to break down, pray and He'll calm your fears,worries and pain. Your son will never be forgotten. God Bless you and take it one moment at a time...keep strong.
john chrzanowski "ski"
September 11, 2005
I miss Bill alot. I'll catch up with him in the big A-Town in the sky. I pray for all of your family. Not a day goes by that I don't see his face smilin at me or making some stupid joke. My best wishes for all.
Love, Ski
Elizabeth Jackson
September 10, 2005
I am Bill's fiancee. It has taken me months to find the strength and words to express my thoughts in this guestbook - for how do you say goodbye to what was to be your future. Bill was unique, unlike anyone I ever have or will encounter in this lifetime. Bill brought laughter, determination, integrity, friendship, love, and faith to my life and truly brightened the lives of everyone he knew. His smile was irresistable and his laughter contagious. I was blessed to have him in my life for four years and treasure every precious moment. I miss him more with each passing day. Bill has changed my life forever and this loss has left a gaping hole within my being. Sameet Kumar says that grief is not the experience of loss of love, but rather loss in love. One cannot experience grief without love. Bill loved with his whole self and in return was truly loved by all. I want to thank everyone for your kind words, prayers and support.
To my Bill, I simply leave words from my favorite poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, a quote that Bill knows well..."a host of memories combine her life and love around his being to entwine." Farewell for now babydoll. I will love you for eternity!
Sue Cordner
September 8, 2005
I am the mother of Cpl.Bill Long.
It's hard to say all the things I felt about my son.Bill was my world and the one thing that made me get up every day and do whatever was needed to give him a good life.Needless to say I am lost at this time.Billy was always a child with a big heart and always for the underdog. He was kicked off the school bus at 10 for be a defender of another child who was being picked on. Bill always had a big heart and a beautiful personality.
Bill grew into a good and kind man. I can't put into words the lost that I feel. I don't believe any parent could. It's a hole in your heart that nothing will ever fill again. Thank all of you for the support I've been given during this terrible time. I will miss him always. I know that Bill was doing what he felt was just and true.I loved and respected his choice,But as a mother I did not like it.
God bless and protect all the sons that are working to save and protect all of us.As my son, they are all heros.
Laura Robinson
August 31, 2005
It's amazing how the greatest pains can also bring great comfort. I was privileged to meet Bill's dad this week while visiting my husband's grave at Arlington. My husband, Charlie (KIA, 3 June 2005 - Afghanistan), and Bill are buried about 4 spaces from each other. I am thankful to have learned about Bill's life, not only his death. My heart aches for Bill's fiancee ... There is always a story behind a fallen soldier, and I feel honored to "know" one of the men my husband is buried near to. I will be sure to visit Bill's grave when I return to Charlie's. My heart aches to know another family who is hurting, but it also softens knowing that we are not isolated in our pain. May God continue to pour out His grace on your family...
Brody Bray
August 1, 2005
While he was known to most as "Bill", I knew him as the
B-Dog.
Bill Long was a brother to me. I can not explain hom much fun it was knowing this guy. He was the best friend a you could ever hope to have, and truly will be missed by everyone who knew him. The amount of laughter, cheer, and happiness that he brought into my life will never be forgotten.
I want to thank his family for giving us this wonderful person. I want to thank his countrymen for honoring and remembering his service to our Nation.
See you on the flip side B-Dog. You will be remembered.
jean dyer
July 19, 2005
I am an Army Arlington Lady and attended funerals with Bill as my escort on my particular day every month for three months. I remember him and am very sad when I think of his family and Elizabeth and their terrible loss. He had Elizabeth's picture (very pretty young woman) on the dash in the car and spoke of how they met and how he enjoyed being with her. I have been praying for the family and Elizabeth every since hearing the news. I sincerely hope that grief will be replaced with pride in him and the fact that he was willing to serve and in the end give his life for his country. What a powerful young man. I am so proud to have known him briefly and consider him among the greatest of heros.
April Birdsong
July 4, 2005
I am truly sorry for your loss, I also have family in our military, and have a family history of being in the military. Prayer is the best free gift, so I give that to you and all of our soldiers...I can only say "Thank You!" to you and all of our soldiers for their very costly gift of loyalty and protection! You are all heros and I sincerely appreciate all that you do for the many unseen faces!
Lucy Harris
July 3, 2005
To the Family of William Long,
David, William, and Noah fly high above us on the wings of heroism; they are part of the atmosphere, part of the star dust which twinkles in our consciousnesses and souls at moments of great inspiration. I can feel their passion welling in my heart as I look out upon a world that is free, and I cry tears, not of sadness, but of great joy. I pledge to Drive On and march forward upon the bricks of liberty which they forged with their lives and to do everything in my power to continue the construction work that they have begun. I will become a strong piece of the new world of freedom that they must have imagined for all peoples of the world. In the hallowed names of David, William, and Noah, I will find the courage to lift my head and do everything that I can to make sure that the Mission is completed and that liberty and justice for all is finally won. You all and Ski are in my prayers every minute, and I am so proud that they were together as mighty heroes of America. So much love, Lucy Harris
Lee Cordner
July 2, 2005
I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of your heartfelt support. My son William A. Long made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and we will miss him terribly. Your support e-mails most from people I don't know help so much.
To the family of Noah Harris I met you briefly at Ft. Benning I send my extreme sorrow for your loss. That our sons died together as HERO'S will forever bind us and someday temper our sorrow.
To John Chrzanowski & Family - JOHN you are a hero too. You get better soon and I would love to meet you. God Bless to you and your parents.
Lee Cordner proud father of WILLIAM A. LONG
Aaron Cordner
July 2, 2005
Bill was a great Younger brother to me. I looked up to him. He was Strong and Brave. He is a HERO in my eyes. Thank You for all the support.
Stephanie Holt
June 30, 2005
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for having a wonderful son that would give his life so we could be free. You will be in our prayers.
SGT Thomas Taylor
June 29, 2005
To the Long family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time in your life. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your life a little easier.
SGT Taylor and family
Robert and Jessica Wilson
June 28, 2005
To the Long family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Billy served with my brother Bobby, and I know that he was looked up to and respected as a comrade in B/Co. I hope it brings a little comfort to know that Billy's life has touched not only those of his friends and family, but of people he had never met.
He will be remembered as a true hero.
peggy puckett
June 28, 2005
I belong to the Joy Circle in Ellijay, Georgia. We had adopted your son and his fellow men to include them in our prayers. You have my prayers that this time of sorrow may be lessened by remembering that our Lord is with you to comfort you. God bless your son for the sacrifice he was willing to make for his fellow man. God bless you.
Bob & Susan Allen
June 28, 2005
Dear Long Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of Billy. Our son Bobby who served with Billy in Iraq said "he was a regular, all American guy." "the kind you want to hang out with, the kind you want your daughter to marry". The world is a better place for his having been in it. We are saddend by this tragic loss. We hope God grants you peace soon. With all our respect and gratitude as Americans, and our saddness as parents, God bless and keep you.
Ron & Sheila Bennett
June 27, 2005
To Lee, Sue and Elizabeth,
May the Lord bless and comfort you, give you peace and guide you through the difficult days as well as continuously remind you of the blessing you had in Billy. Thanks to Capt. Toon's wife, Brigitte, the links she sent that describe Billy gives us more of a three dimensional image of Billy. We feel that we know him better and along with that we are saddened even more for your loss. We are, after all, extended family of B-Co 2/69. We will honor his memory by recalling his sacrifice to others and his service to this nation and also remind others of the gift that soldiers like Billy are giving to Iraq: their freedom and hope for a better life, nothing could be more sacred or honorable or worthwhile.
Our son Travis, who serves in the same Company as Billy, told us that knowing Billy served in the "Old Guard" tells you a lot about his dedication and character. I'll add to that by saying that his sacrifice to this cause leaves a debt that cannot fully be repaid but can be honored and remembered and will be.
Deanna Salie
June 27, 2005
As I told you on the phone, nothing I can say will make any of this easier for you.....but know this, Bill, Noah and David died heros...... Our Nation and it's people will be forever grateful for what our families have given for them. Please remember that I'm only a phone call away if you ever need me.
Deedy, Chyna, Luke and Hunter Salie
Joseph and Laura DeLage
June 27, 2005
To The Long family,
Words cannot express our sorrow we feel for your family and Elizabeth.
May you be comforted by knowing your son was a hero.God Bless You all.
Dee Fisk
June 27, 2005
May God bless you in your time of grief. The price of freedom is not cheep and a horrible price is extracted...He stood for Freedom and all of us in the USA.
steve nuyen
June 27, 2005
To the Long Family
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your son. He is a TRUE AMERICAN
HERO.
Perry & Liz Hohenberger
June 27, 2005
We are so sorry about the loss of your son. William is now in the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ. William will always be remembered as a man of honor.
nancy chrzanowski
June 27, 2005
we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to your family at this tragic time. we only know your son from communication with our son who was happy to serve with him in the 2/69th. Our son John was with him on that tragic day and we struggle for the words to tell him what happened when he is strong enough to ask. we know we will tell him, that your son along with lt harris are heroes. may you find comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of your son.
nancy chrzanowski
Kristen Keeling
June 27, 2005
My husband, Bear, and I were college friends of Noah Harris. I can't explain the pride I feel for our young men while attending Noah's memorial service. Please know that your sacrifice was not in vain. I am also a kindergarten teacher and I try to instill patriotic values in my students. Your son is a hero and my little ones think that soldiers like him just hung the moon. My heart hurts to think of the loss you've gone through but know that my prayers are with you.
Tasha Gaddy
June 27, 2005
Dear Family:
We have you in our hearts and prayers. My husband Lt. Gaddy and your son worked together in 2-69. Your son will be missed by all. May GOD bless and stay strong.
The Gaddy Family
Walker Chandler
June 27, 2005
You have my family's deepest sympathy for your loss. My wife and I were at the service at Benning on Friday, and at the service held for Noah on Saturday. What brave men! What honorable men!
Walker Chandler,Cousin of Rick & Lucy Harris
Eric Hornbeck
June 27, 2005
May God bless William and his family during this tragic time. I have read several e mails from the soldiers of bravo 269 as my son also is with that unit. If william was only half the man I read of, he was an incrediable American,person and Soldier.You can be very proud of him, as we all are.
Laurel Diacogiannis
June 27, 2005
To Billy's family & friends,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Our son, Gregg, was in Billy's platoon and was with Billy on that final mission. Our hearts ache for you, as we know how easily it could have been our son. There is no rhyme or reason when it comes to war. Billy is a true American hero. He has given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Jim & Laurel Diacogiannis and our 10 children
Jeannie Brown-Demski
June 27, 2005
From the family of Sgt. Scott Brown who was priviledge to serve with your son. Our thoughts and prayers go with you.
Jennifer Kulp
June 27, 2005
I didn't know William very well but he was and will always be a part of the 2-69 Armor Fort Benning, GA family. God Bless.
jud malcolm
June 27, 2005
dear family:
please allow me to give my deepest sympathy for the loss of your william. william gave the greatest gift one man can ever give for his family, for his country, and his fellow soldiers - his life. when the history of this difficult time, in american history, is written william's name will appear on the list of americans who gave the full measure of devotion. william's sacrifice can never be forgotten or erased from history. he was a man - a soldier - a hero that stood on the wall and faced the storm. if others doubt his bravery let them go to iraq and walk in his footsteps. i doubt that few if any could walk in his footsteps because his were the footsteps of an american hero who stood in the face of the storm. thank you for letting me write to you. you have no idea how many americans honor and respect william's sacrifice. i am just one of them. from; jud malcolm - vietnam 70-71.
Mary Hodges
June 24, 2005
William (Billy) was my nephew, and I will miss him very much. He was so loved by so many people, he will never be forgotten.
Thanks to all of you that have had such kind things to say about William to his mother, Sue, my sister, and our family. Though words can not ease the pain of knowing we will never hear Billy's laughter again, words help us all to grieve our loss and acknowledge his love for this country.
Thank You,
Aunt Mary Hodges and Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Eldridge.
Susan Jackson
June 22, 2005
William is a hero. It takes a brave man to do what he has done, to give his life for his country.
This chapter in his life is over but his memories will live on.
We hope that each of you will find his cheerful spirit every step you take. May you find comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you.
From Ellijay, GA - home of Noah Harris
Hank & Judy Neal
June 22, 2005
Our heart felt sympathy to all of your family at this time. Our son Colton also serves in Bravo company. May God wrap His arms around you with a grace that only He can supply.
James & Peggy Salie
June 22, 2005
To the Long Family:
Having lost our son in February, he also was a member of the 2nd Bn, 69th Armor, we fully understand the pain you are going through. Find comfort in God and know that you are not alone in your grief. We ache for your lost as if he were our son. May God Bless you!
James Fox, Jr.
June 22, 2005
The extended family of friends of Lt. Noah Harris from Ellijay, Georgia extend our prayers and sympathy to the family of Cpl. Wlliam A. Long.
Judy Brewer
June 21, 2005
Billy is a real hero! Sue, God Bless you.
BARBARA KISER
June 21, 2005
I'm a coworker of Aunt Edith Daugherty at ORNL Federal Credit Union. I'm so sorry for the loss.
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