William (Bill) Hollis Long was born December 15, 1924, and passed away October 10, 2013. Bill was the son of Ralph H. and Nellie L. Long. He was born and raised in Springfield and always said, "If you live in God's country why would you ever want to go anywhere else!" Bill was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all. His amazing attitude, warmth, smile, intelligence and love for his family and friends will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Diemer Long, and wife, Patsy Long. He is survived by his daughter, Caryn Long; his son William (Billy) H. Long II and his wife, Barbara; his granddaughters Kaleen and Kelle Long; his grandson, Caleb Crawford; his sister Margery Wilson and her husband J. Randolph Wilson; his sister-in-laws Peggy Fredrick and Evon Long; seven nieces; one nephew; his cousin Harry Baker and his wife Joanna; his cousin Mike Long and his wife Cathy; his best friend, Junior Cline; his cat Morris VIII and many lifelong friends. Bill was a graduate of Greenwood High School Class of 1942. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and college and was on the 1942 State Championship Basketball team, which he led with the highest scoring average of all Missouri high school players. He entered the Navy V-12 program and attended Harvard University receiving a commission as an Ensign. Bill served his country in the South Pacific and Japan. He completed his BA degree at Southwest Missouri State and was a member of the Letterman Club. Bill was involved in the family furniture business, an investor, real estate developer and stock broker. Bill's kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He taught us all the value of being positive under all circumstances. His loyalty, strength, perseverance, and love of the St. Louis Cardinals will be missed by all who knew him. His memorial service is pending and will be announced through Greenlawn Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield or St. Jude's Research Hospital.