Gary Lynn "Bill" Long

On November 18, 1946, Gary Lynn Long was born to the union of the late Willie Otho Long and Elsie Elaine (McComb) Long in Crocker, Missouri. As a young boy, Bill (as he was known by his family and friends) grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1964. Shortly after graduating from high school, Bill entered the United States Navy and served his country faithfully for four years before his honorable discharge. He earned several awards and commendations: some of which include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. While in the Navy, Bill met a young lady by the name of Linda Susan Fowler. They were united in marriage on November 17, 1968, in Long Beach, California. Bill and Linda shared over 55 years of marriage together and were blessed with four sons: Timothy, Billy, Nicholas, and Thomas. Bill attended trade school and became a carpenter. He helped build the K.C. Airport where he did 2 of his 4 years of apprenticeship. After moving to Iberia, Missouri in 1974, he worked in construction for various companies in the Lake of the Ozark area. He later drove a fertilizer spreader truck for Rick Zweerink and then worked for High Brothers Lumber Company until 2008 when he retired. After retiring, he decided to go into the egg business and sold eggs at the farmer’s market on the square. He was a favorite at the market…children made a point to hug him and folks lined up to visit and buy his eggs. He was known as the “Eggman” to many. Bill was also known as the “Salsaman”. He had quite the green thumb and had a large garden that he would harvest and make salsa that he enjoyed sharing with family and friends alike. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed traveling, coon hunting, riding horses and spending time with his two Yorkies “Saty” and “Slyvia” and his German Shepherd “Remi”. Bill was very community minded. He served on the Board of Directors for the Crocker Fire Department and also served as a volunteer fireman for seven years. He was also a lifetime member of the Crocker VFW #4956 and enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow veterans. Bill passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024, in the Lake Regional Hospital of Osage Beach, Missouri having attained the age of 77 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Linda Long of the home; three sons: Timothy Long (Becky) of Yuma, AZ, Billy Long of Crocker, MO, and Nicholas Long of Waynesville, MO; eight grandchildren: Mylie, Sarah, T.J., Kayla, Joe Paul, Aylisa, Samantha, and Niko; six great grandchildren: Malaki, Mikah, Colton, Cora, Silas, and Riley; three siblings: Jerry Long (Jill) of Richland, MO, Velma “Babe” Roney (Marc) of Warsaw, MO, and Sunday “Chris” Shelton (Leonard) of Richland, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one son: Thomas; grandson: Jamie; two brothers: Larry and Terry Long; and three sisters: Wilma “Willie” Hooker, Thelma “Dean” Belshe, and Vivian “Viv” Rayle. Even though he is gone from our sight, Bill’s love for his family and community will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Doug Jacobson officiating. Favorite recorded music included "Let Me Fly", "Far Side Banks of Jordan", "Go Rest High on that Mountain", "Amazing Grace" and "Watching You". Serving as escorts were Nicholas Long, Kenny Davidson, Leonard Shelton, Jeremiah Meads, Caleb Gill, Jimmy Boulware, Preston Davidson, Patrick Thompson, and Jason Log. Burial with full military honors provided by the Missouri Honors Team followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Iberia, MO. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill Long and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Gary Lynn "Bill" Long

November 18, 1946 - July 20, 2024