William Long

William Long made his transition to his heavenly home Tuesday, April 12, 2011. He was born March 5, 1935 in Birmingham, Alabama to Thomas and Jonnie B (Howard) Long. William was 76 years old and affectionately know as Bill or Bud by family and Friends.
He left home for Indianapolis, IN at a young age. He eventually moved to Saginaw after he met and married Betty (Noel) where they raised 7 children. The third, in the line of 13 siblings, he had a strong sense of family. He was a great cook and was known for his Bar-B-Ques. Family and friends would come running when they knew he was sweating over a grill. He really enjoyed cooking for his family and he had many specialties. He was also the one who was called upon when family or friends were in need. He retired from GM, due to medical reasons, at an early age. This allowed him to be able to help care for sick family members. He was also very handy. He was good at dry walling and painting and always added his special touch to his homes. His hobbies included gardening and fishing.
He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Claudia (Richard) Allen, Lansing, MI; Erica (Frank) Reed, Southfield, MI; four sons, Thomas Long, Cleveland, OH; Michael (Sandy) Long, William (JoAnn) Long, III, Saginaw, MI and Kenneth (DeDe) Long, Southfield, MI; 32 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, brother, Thomas Long, Indianapolis, 5 sisters, Willie Bell Johnson, Thelma Long, Geraldine (Marvin) Hubbard, Carolyn (Robert) Mixon, Shirley (David) Wilson all of Birmingham, AL; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and special friend C. J. Harris.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Jonnie B. (Howard) Long; sons, Roger Long, Timothy Long; granddaughter, Trina Long; brothers, Bobby Long, Roland Long, James (Yvonne) Long; sisters, Barbara Beckwith, Mabel Jackson, Luvenia Wilson, Brother-in-law, Ollie Jackson and Betty (Noel) Long, the mother of 7 of his children.