William Long

William Carl Long, Sr., 85, of Fayetteville, died Wednesday, November 12, 2014 in his home.

Born in Raeford, North Carolina, he is the son of William James Long, Jr. and Ella Mae Long. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kevin Bertram Long, and a brother J.D. Long, Sr.

Starting at about age 16, Mr. Long began working in a cotton mill. He served six years as a fire protection specialist in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at the Eglin Air Force Base near Valparaiso, Florida where he met his wife Vida, while she was working as a waitress at a local café. They were married for 54 years.

After they were married, Mr. Long's main profession was doing residential plumbing for more than 50 years. He worked for his brother, J.D. Long, Sr. from 1961 until 1973. During his plumbing career, he worked for other plumbing companies and was the owner of A-1 Plumbing & Service. For the past couple of years, he slowed down.

Mr. Long was a hard worker. He was very proud of his grape vines. He loved to fish and hunt, and also had several beloved bird dogs throughout his life but his favorite dog was Bozo.

He is survived by his wife, Vida Lue Long of Fayetteville; three daughters, Teresa Callie Long Canady Long and husband Barry, Regina Gail Long Ramage and husband Lyndon, and Sonya Denora Long Rodriguez and husband Manual; one son, William Carl Long, Jr and wife Virginia Faye; a brother, Elmer Lee Long and wife Edwina; a sister-in-law, Betty A. Long; grandchildren, Joey, Brian, and Gary Canady, Chris, Brian, and Amy Ramage, Michael and Charles Madison, and Katie, Richard, and Tony Rodriguez ; 8 great-grandchildren.

He holds a special place in many people's hearts and will be loved and missed by all who knew him.