William "Sonny" Long

William A. “Sonny” Long, 83, passed away peacefully at Hospice on December 15, 2016.

He is survived by [Left behind to cherish his loving memory are] his wife, Agnes; two sons, Ron (Donna) and Chris (Marcia); his daughter Jay Donnick (Todd); his five grandchildren (Josh, Kenzie, Ron, Ryan, and Riley) and his two great-grandchildren (Lauren and Makenna).  He is also survived by Agnes’ two children, Jackie Perkins (Patti) and Louise Henderson (Dale), her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Wilma (Nee Foster), his parents and his five sisters, Bea Taylor, Anne Humphreys, Wanda Ralston, Gladys Loving, and Margie Harreld.

He was born January 1, 1933 in Beuchel, Kentucky, the son of John Will and Stella Arnold Long.  He was the sixth child, and only son, hence his lifelong nickname of “Sonny.”  He was raised in Owensboro, Kentucky and attended OwensboroTechnical High School.  Following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy.  During his stint in the Navy he visited ports of call throughout the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Europe.  Upon completion of his enlistment he returned to Owensboro.  During his time back in Owensboro, he met and married Wilma Foster in 1956.  Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He served as a Security Policeman and a Training Instructor at bases in California, Missouri, Illinois, Spain, Germany, and Taiwan.  He was one of twelve airmen selected to attend the first USAF Sentry Dog School.  Upon completion, he spent several years assigned to the K-9 Corps.  He retired from the Air Force in 1972 after 21 years serving his country.

After retiring from the military, he continued his record of public service, working for the City of Paxton, first as a police patrolman then transferring to the City Street Department.  He then became a Probation Officer for Ford County and remained there until his retirement.  After retiring, he moved back to Owensboro.  There he married Agnes Perkins in 2003 in Owensboro.

While in the military, he worked his way through college taking courses through the University of Maryland extension program, working nights and weekends to further his education.  One of his proudest moments was when he ultimately graduated following his retirement from the service, earning his B.A. degree from Eastern Illinois University.

He thoroughly enjoyed basketball – playing, refereeing, and watching.  He was a member of his ship’s basketball team, and he said his most satisfying moment in the Navy came when they defeated the Cuban Olympic team.

He was known for his sense of humor, outgoing personality,

Memorial service will be 6:30 p.m., Monday, December 19, 2016, at Unity Baptist Church, Ocala, FL with Rev. Samuel W. Clements officiating. Arrangements under the care of Countryside Funeral Home, Anthony, Fl. In lieu of flowers donations to Unity Baptist Church, 1290 NE 100th St, Ocala, FL 34479.