Biography: William Henry Long, Jr., died of respiratory failure Friday, January 25, at St Vincent Medical Center in Little Rock, AR, following a two-and-a-half-year struggle with cancer. Bill Long, as he was known, was born in Shelbyville, KY, and was the son of William Henry and Sue Mary Long, now deceased. He leaves behind a cherished wife, Jill Bayles Long; two sons, William Alexander Long of Tulsa, OK, and Michael Wheeler Long of Chicago; a brother, David Long of Rye, NY; in-laws Jon and Janet Hedges of Little Rock and Bob and Suzanne McFarland of Georgetown, TX; one niece and two nephews. After graduating from The Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN, and Centre College, Danville, KY, he began a lifelong interest in historic preservation, conservation, archiving and museum presentation. He was the curator for both the Old State Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, and the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. His 25-year career culminated as museum coordinator for Arkansas State Parks. He also was active in the Southeastern Museums Conference, serving on its programs committee for several years. Bill was an avid and inventive cook, showering guests with memorable meals and occasions. His Kentucky Derby parties became a legend among friends. A long-time member of St Andrew’s Church, he was supported in his illness by a devoted congregation and church leaders. He also received extraordinary medical care from Dr. John Brineman, Dr. Sandy Chai, Dr. Diane Wilder and the nurses at Little Rock Hematology/Oncology Associates, and Dr. Gail McCracken of Pulmonary Associates, PA; and was compassionately treated by the staff of St Vincent Medical Center. His first wife, Ellen Wheeler Long, died in 1991. There will be a memorial service Tuesday, January 29, at 3 p.m. at St Andrew’s Church, 8300 Kanis Road, officiated by the Right Reverend Philip Jones. A wake will immediately follow at the Long residence. The family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of a contribution to St. Andrew's or Kiva.org. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfunerahome.com.
I wasn’t sure how I would react when I finally hear this news. Now I know. I feel like I’ve lost a brother. He was such a great mentor and his legacy is being passed on to my own interns and assistants. A lot of the things I know in the museum world came from him. I am really fortunate to have had the chance to work with him and to learn from him. I always admired his professionalism, ethics and his general knowledge of museum science. His passing is certainly a big loss to the museum community of Arkansas and, more importantly, to his large circle of friends and family.