William Henry Long, Jr.


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Jan 25th, 2008

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  • Death Date: Jan 25, 2008

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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.

Condolences(15)
Jun Francisco
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Although I’ve seen Bill while he was sick, that’s not how I remember him. I always envision him as the guy I spent many days with building exhibits, talking about museum work, and learning from him. It’s still such an unbelievable news to me.
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.
Kathy Bellisle
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Longs passing. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Long family.
Kathy Bellisle
Randy,Becky, Jake and Kalee Kirts
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We just met Bill and Jill on Cumberland Island at Christmas. Since we were from Shelbyville, KY we had an immediate bond. We all enjoyed getting to know this wonderful couple. Our prayers and thoughts are with Jill.
Becky, Randy, Jake and Kalee Kirts
Martha Battle Jackson
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
The museum world has lost a valuable resource and a good friend. I first met Bill when the Southeast Museums Conference met in Little Rock in 1998, and I adored his wit and storytelling. Bill and I served on the SEMC council, so I had the pleasure of seeing him at meetings. I'm so sorry for us, but I know he is in a much better place.
Mary Ann & Kent Davidson
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill and Jill were great neighbors when we lived next to them. We always enjoyed seeing Bill sitting on his front deck, enjoying a beautiful day. I will remember him that way. Our sincere condolences to Jill, Michael, and Alec.
susan bennett
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill was a great friend. I didn't see him much after he left the Museum of Science and history, but I have fond memories. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lynn and Elizabeth Gaines
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill was always so helpful. He will be missed.
Van and Heather Zbinden
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Van and I were so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jill and the family. Bill always made us laugh with his wonderful sense of humor.
David Edwin Gifford
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Having known Bill for over twenty years and having the great pleasure of being mentored by "wild man Bill" (at the Old State House), I will always remember the great times we and the gang had in the midnight hours as we finalized many exhibit installations. I am sorry for your loss and wish you all peace of mind during this most difficult time. Love, david
Beth Nelsen
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill helped me in many ways when the museum was over in MacArthur Park! He taught me how to handle the exhibits when I turned on the lights in the morning and evenings. Over the years he became a very good friend! It took us both a few months working together before we realized my son and his son knew each other and were at the same Bonnaroo Festival! Bill was a very good cook and I loved the times he brought food for our gatherings! A very nice person, a good friend, a pleasant co-worker-Bill will be missed!
Peggy S. Lloyd
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Condolences to the Long family from the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives and the Nevada County Depot and Museum in Prescott, Arkansas, whom Bill advised and assisted in the past.
Amy and Steve Barnes
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jill and her family.
Kim Williams
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Bill fought a very courageous battle and now he is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Paula Taylor
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Jill, David, and Michael,

I was so sadened to hear of Bill's passing. Though I knew him slightly he was a good friend to my husband Gene Taylor. Bill had amazing strength through his illness, no doubt that was from the loving care he received. He will surely be missed. Paula Taylor
Jennifer and Richard Lowe
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We were terribly sorry to hear the news about Bill. He was a wonderful coworker and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jill, Alec, Michael and the entire family.

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