William Lee Long

Captain William Lee Long, Medical Service Corps, U.S. Navy, Retired, formerly of Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain, and Dixon Terrace, Candler, died Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Charles George VA Medical Center. Capt. Long was a native of the Candler area and was a son of the late Grady and Valerie B. Long. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Cox Long, son, Cameron Lee Long, and brother, James Ray Long. Mr. Long was a graduate of Candler High School, Blanton's Business College, the Naval School of Health Care Administration, and the George Washington University. He retired in 1975 following a 30-year career in the Navy. Among his awards is the Legion of Merit, which was presented to him upon his retirement for his performance as Executive Officer of the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD. Following his military career, he returned to Buncombe Co. and became a real estate broker and auctioneer. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #089 in Annapolis, MD, the Military Officers Association of America, VFW Post 9937, and a member in perpetuity of National Sojourners. He was also a lifelong member of Hominy Baptist Church. Surviving are his daughter-in-law, Sandria Long McLean (Rick); nieces and nephews, Rev. Mary and Wayne Caldwell and Kathryn Long and Axel Graumann, Jan and Jim Dorn, Pam and Stewart Aiken, Dixie Johnston, Kent and Mary Lynn Taylor, and Earl and Kathleen Cox; and cousins, Margaret Jean and Kie Roberts. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Mary Caldwell at in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 31. The Rev. Dr. Joe Yelton will officiate at the interment with military honors at Pisgah View Memorial Park. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Hominy Baptist Church Day Stay, 135 Candler School Road, Candler, NC 28715, or to Catman 2, Inc., PO Box 2344, Cullowhee, NC 28732.