Billy Long, Sr.

Billy Bruce Long, Sr., 91, passed away peacefully at home in Concord, on September 11, 2022.

He was born in Mineral Springs, N.C. on October 12, 1930 to the late Bert and Floye Long. His family moved to Monroe Road in Charlotte where he and his 6 siblings were raised. He graduated from Oakhurst High School in 1949 as a star football player and the “prettiest” guy on campus. He proudly served his country in Korea from 1952-1953 when on December 18, 1953 he finally returned home to “Mama’s cooking.” Before leaving for Korea he met his future wife, Beverly Fisher. They were married August 19, 1955. He had begun a Land Surveying apprenticeship with his future father-in-law Guy J. Fisher and the business became Fisher & Long Engineering. It later became Long Surveying, serving businesses and residences of Concord, Cabarrus County and surrounding areas for 44 years until he retired and turned the business over to his son Billy Jr. in 1998.

Known affectionately as "PeePaw" by his grandchildren and great-nieces and great-nephews, he never met a stranger and so enjoyed giving anyone he met his true open-book, yet fun-loving, personality—what you saw was what you got. His laugh was infectious and unforgettable. He had a kind and very generous heart and unrivaled ability to include those around him in the joy he brought to the world. He and Beverly moved less than a mile from their Spring Street home in 1981 to South Union and created a home that became the Long Family gathering place for special occasions, birthdays, weddings, holidays and many get-togethers. The house was always immaculately decorated for Christmas and elegantly lit from the inside for anyone driving down South Union to admire.

HIs favorite place to be was his beautiful backyard pool where he spent many hours working to get it ready for the next event while listening incessantly to Jimmy Buffet on the outdoor music system. He absolutely treasured his large family and going on the annual summer beach week with the entire Long Family. For many years he was a Friday and Saturday night fixture at Concord's Lake Lynn Lodge where he had his own booth with a brass plaque. You couldn’t walk anywhere in the restaurant without passing his booth and if you did on a regular basis, you surely would end up as one of his friends. That resulted in a group that to this day meets regularly for home-cooked meals and was an event he thoroughly enjoyed these past few years up until just a few weeks ago. He also made Ellie's Coffee Shop downtown, and Troutman's his favorite places for breakfast and lunch where again he made numerous friends with staff, etc. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post 51.

The legacy he leaves with us is one of living life selflessly, loving family, and bringing laughter and joy to others.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Beverly, and his siblings, Aeris Bingham, Sam Long, Bob Long, and Irene Padgett. In addition, unfortunately, Bill's beloved sister Jean White of Charlotte passed away three days later on September 14.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Debra Hampton (Walter Emory) of Charlotte, his son Billy Bruce Long, Jr. (Denise) of Concord, the true lights of his life--grandchildren Allison Hampton of Seoul, South Korea, Brosnan Long of Asheville, N.C., and Aeris Long of Concord, and his sister Beth Ellen Martin of Winder, Georgia along with many, loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday September 24 from 12:30 to 2:00 followed by a Celebration of Life service at Wilkinson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the American Legion Post 51 (Concord) and/or enjoy his favorite drink well-known among family and friends as a “Bill Drink”—Jack and Ginger over ice with a twist of lime. And even better, with that, have a Filet Mignon and as he called it, a “fluffy baked potato”-Lake Lynn style.