William "Bill" Robert Long
William Robert “Bill” Long, 94, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025.
Born on May 26, 1930, he was the son of the late William Woodrow Long and Lena Goodwin Long. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David F. Long, and daughter-in-law, Patsy Dillon-Long.
A proud native of Elliston, Virginia, Bill graduated from Shawsville High School and went on to study at National Business College and the University of Virginia. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves.
After his military service, Bill returned home to work in the family business, Big Spring Mill in Elliston, where he dedicated more than 60 years. He was well known for turning locally grown grains into feed, flour, and cornmeal that earned the trust of farmers and devotion of bakers across the region.
In 1961, Bill and his beloved wife of 75 years, June Hall Long, moved to Salem. He was a committed family man, survived by June and their son, William Robert Long II; grandchildren Courtney Sakry (Trevor) and William Long III (Stephanie); and great-grandsons Miles Sakry, Caleb Sakry, and Remy Long.
A passionate supporter of local athletics, Bill was a longtime fan of Andrew Lewis High School, Salem High School, and Virginia Tech football, holding season tickets for decades. He was a committed community servant, deeply involved in the First United Methodist Church in Salem, the Eastern Montgomery Education Foundation Board, and the Rotary Club.
His legacy in Rotary is especially notable. Bill was a Paul Harris Fellow, Club President, Assistant District Governor, and held perfect attendance for years. Alongside June, he traveled to over 50 countries in support of Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio, helping distribute vaccines across the globe - a cause they both held dear.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Oaks and The JC Thomas Center at Richfield for their compassionate care.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 9, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Salem from 10:00 until 11:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Rev. Alan Combs officiating. Burial will be in Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Salem Rotary Club Polio Fund or the Eastern Montgomery Education Foundation Scholarship Fund.
