William "Barry" Long

LONG, MASTER SERGEANT WILLIAM "BARRY," - age 47, of Knoxville passed away on November 6, 2011 at U.T. Hospital following a brief illness. Barry served from December 1990 until the present, including two tours in Iraq: 2004 with the 278th Army National Guard, and 2008 with the 252nd Military Police where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor. He was proud to serve his country. His accomplishments in life were many. At 47, still so young, he was beginning to understand his immense value and to come fully into his own as the man his family and friends held so dear. He loved his wife, Ellen, from their early days as young friends working and playing together in a Galaxy supermarket through 25 years of fire and patience and perseverance and grins and giggles and sparks of joy which could only be described as divine. To say Ellen misses her Barry is impossibly inadequate. His daughter, Erin, will continue to guard the goal for her Girl Power soccer team, knowing she has the support of all the devoted team members and their families who so steadfastly supported her in wonderful times and personal tragedy. She can rightly consider herself, the daughter of a man whose brown eyes shone steadfastly with pride and eternal love for his blue eyed baby. Preceding Barry in death are his grandparents Robert L. and Naomi Long, Noah and Helen Wilkerson, father-in-law Burl G. Jones, uncle Mick Fancher and cousin Amy Wilkerson of Kansas. Standing in silent stunned sadness, Barry's father, William L. Long along with his wife Marlene. His blue eyes reflected in the eyes of a granddaughter who will look to him to give voice to so much that her Dad represents. His mother, Linda Arden, ever moving and nurturing and protecting even when her heart is breaking, and her husband Bobby by her side. Barry is also survived by his loving and devoted sisters, Janice Hullemeyer of Atlanta, GA, and Rachel Atkins along with her husband Michael. He is sorely missed by his brother Rob Long; his uncle John Wilkerson & wife Linda, his uncle Raymond Wilkerson & wife Sara of Dodge City, KS; his aunt Brenda Gibson & husband Al "Sonny" Gibson; his uncle Perry Wilkerson & wife Sheila of Maggie Valley, NC; also his aunt Myra Fancher. He is dearly appreciated and loved by Ellen's family, including his mother-in-law Martha D. Jones, brothers and sisters-in-law, David Jones, Elizabeth Corum, Elaine Smith, Andrew Jones, and their spouses, loved ones and children, Ellen's uncle A.L. Branum, aunt Charlotte Branum, uncle Homer Branum, and Faye Barrett. Testament to Barry's adept ability at friendship are his trusted comrades whose dedication continued from childhood, John Penland and Mike Sheldon, and business associates Rusty & William Sawalha who ended up being best and respected friends. They were all considered brothers. Missy and Mike Varner are cherished like family. Special thanks to all of you who stood together united in prayer and all good wishes during those moments when your presence was needed most. Your heart of compassion and love will help buoy the family through this regrettably sorrowful time. Funeral 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with Rev. Kern Spangler officiating. Family and friends will then gather on Thursday at 11:15 a.m. at the new Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy for an 11:30 interment service. Military Honors provided by Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

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William "Barry" Long

November 6, 2011