Long "Bill" Chen

Long Chen (Bill), 48, of Blacksburg, Virginia, peacefully passed away on February 8, 2026. Born on October 29, 1977, in Heilongjiang, China, he was our dad, a devoted husband to Bo Zhang, and a loving father to Richard and Raina. Dad was a hardworking and dependable man who spent many years in the international market and food industry. He was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to help others. Dad represented strength, loyalty, discipline, generosity, and he was someone people could rely on without hesitation. One of his most remarkable traits, especially in our eyes, was his ability to observe closely and learn a skill without being taught. This was how he learned to fish and fix things, often surprising everyone around him. Dad loved fishing and cooking, whether spending peaceful hours by the water or preparing meals at home. His passion for cooking grew from his work at U.S. Foods, and we loved his food—sometimes even more than our mom’s. He was firm but fair, and when he was strict, it was because he wanted us to learn and grow. At the same time, he had a lively side, sharing jokes, smiling easily, and finding small ways to brighten other people’s days. Dad is survived by his wife, Bo Zhang; his children, Richard and Raina; his parents, Yanan Chen and Shuhua Zhang; his brother, Han Chen; and many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly. We find comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he gave us, and the memories we will carry with us forever. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Blacksburg Christian Fellowship Auditorium, 2300 N. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060.