William Rupert Long, Jr., (Lt. Col., USAF, retired), age 83, of O'Fallon, born April 9, 1932 in Selma, Ala., passed away suddenly on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2015.

Bill grew up in Selma, Alabama, where he earned his Eagle Scout honor as a young man. He graduated from Auburn University, and earned his graduated degree from University of Alabama.

Bill was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, serving most of his career in Services Squadrons, retiring in 1975 from Scott AFB as the Director of Personnel Management. He was a veteran of the Vietnam Era and served a tour in Cam Ranh Bay. He had been stationed at Barksdale AFB, La.; Itazuke AB, Japan; Univ. of Alabama (ROTC); Randolph AFB, Tex.; and Kadena AB, Japan. He and Betty made many lifelong friends along the way.

After his Air Force retirement, Bill continued his work with civil service for the following twenty years as Recreation Director of MWR at Scott AFB. He was a member of O'Fallon First United Methodist Church where he belonged to the Christian Sportsmen's Fellowship. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed spending time on the golf course and playing pool with his buddies. His southern heritage, his gift of story-telling, and his value of friendship made him a genuinely likable man.

Bill was a devoted father and grandfather, and was especially committed to his dear wife, Betty, who passed away December 20, 2013. Betty had been a long-time member of PEO Chapter NR, and Bill's friendship and support of PEO continued even after her passing.

Memorial donations are suggested to St Jude's Children's Hospital or ALS Association.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Betty Ann, nee McCauley, Long, and his parents William R. Long, Sr., and Myrtis, nee Wilson, Long.

Surviving are his children Alan (Gelsomina) Long of Peabody, Mass., Cathy (Geoff) Coleman of O'Fallon; dear grandchildren, Jessica Long, Sarah Long, Keegan Coleman and Lilli Coleman, and his brother Glenn (Ann Ray) Long of Opelika, Ala.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon.

Funeral: 7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at the church, with Rev. Joel Catlin officiating.

Graveside Service: Procession will depart the Wolfersberger Funeral Home at 1:45 pm, Wednesday, July 1, 2015 for a military graveside service to be held at 2:30 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis County, Mo.