William (Bill) Crayton Long, Jr. was born on November 28. 1933 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to William Crayton Long and Josie Cobb Long. Bill was raised on farmland in the small community of Dewar Oklahoma. He attended Dewer Public Schools until his graduation in 1951.

Bill attended Okmulgee Tech in 1951-52 playing basketball for Cowboys. For his sophomore year, he transferred to Oklahoma State University to participate in the ROTC program and begin his studies in Agriculture Science. He enlisted in the Air Force and was a Load Master for cargo missions through Alaska and Greenland during the Korean War.

Bill married Joan Taylor (his high school sweetheart) in September 6th,1954 in front of family and friends in Henrietta Oklahoma. After completing his time in the Air Force, Bill and Joan moved to Stillwater to finish his college studies. In May 1957, Bill graduated from OSU with a BS in Agriculture Science and Education.

Bill and Joan moved to Ralston, Oklahoma to begin his educational career teaching Agriculture and sponsoring the FFA chapter. He taught Ag in Ralston and Morrison as well as attending many stock shows and county and state fairs guiding many young FFA members. Morrison ISD ask Bill to become the principal of the high school so began his short educational administrative career. After becoming an administer, Bill was accepted into a three year summer school program at the University of Wyoming. The family spends three summers living on the camps and enjoying all the outdoor activities that Wyoming, South Dakota, and Utah offered. Bill earned his Masters in Chemistry and Physics.

Also while living in Garner, Bill and a neighbor built the family's first home from ground to completion. This collaboration brought another job offer to work in the Oil and Gas industry with Sinclair. The family moved to Portland, Texas. While in South Texas, Bill spent many hours salt water fishing in addition to deer and white winged dove hunting near the Mexican border. Family camping trips also accompanied Bill's love for hunting and fishing.

A promotion with Sinclair/Arco brought the Long's to Plano, Texas where they resided for the next 53 years. As his family grew to include 4 children, Bill was always involved in his children's activities. As one of the first president's of Plano Sports Authority, Bill was always a fixture on the sidelines coaching all sports. HIs children could always count on Dad's support whether they were cheerleading, dancing, playing sports, or showing animals at the county fairs.

His love for all things outdoors and traveling was handed down to his children and grandchildren. Dad or Popaw was always available for trips to Colorado for hunt elk, boating and fishing trips to Lake Texoma, RV trips across the US, and weiner roasts around the campfire. Bill and Joan traveled many miles during their 69 year marriage whether by car, RV, plane or cruise ship. These trips frequently included member of their family and close long time friends.

A long time active member of First Christian Church in Plano, Bill is survived by his loving wife, Joan. His children: Cindi Ellis and husband Tracy of Denver, Colorado, Brad Long of Woodward, Oklahoma, Steve Long and wife Marsha of Lucas, Texas, and Heather Madrid and husband Al of Allen Texas. His grandchildren: Taylor, Brandon, McKinzie, Murphy, Olivia, Bryce, and Lilly. Great grandchildren Kyla and Gracie. In leu of flowers, they family request donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Collin County to honor Bill's many years of delivering meals to the community.