William E. 'Curly' Long

William E. Curly Long, 89, of Danville, passed away at 10:40pm on Monday, October 18, 2010 at Provena USMC in Danville. He was born on January 21, 1921, in Danville, IL, the son of William J. and Blanche E. (Steigman) Long. On January 22, 1942, Curly married Glenna Jones in Danville. She survives along with one son, William (Susan) Long of Advance, N.C, their two sons, Brian (Katie) Long, with their daughter, Olivia Long, and Justin (Kate) Long, all from Advance, N.C., and one daughter, Linda (Robert) Hollen of Danville, their two sons, Jeffery Wallace of Michigan, Joseph (Shannon) Wallace, and their two sons, Lucas and Alexander Wallace, all of Oakwood. Curly is also survived by his brother, Merle Long of Danville, and his sister, Betty Engle, also of Danville. His parents, two brothers, Donald and Harlen Long, and two sisters, Evelyn Long, and Geraldine Neff preceded Curly in death. Curly joined the United States Navy in 1944, and was honorably discharged in 1946. After the service, he worked as a machinist for the C&EI Railroad, retiring as a foreman with L&N Railroad, totaling 41 plus years of service. Curly gave his time to various organizations, including: 50 year member of the Danville American Legion Post 210, C&EI Railroad Historical Society, Eastern Star, the GAO Grotto, the Eastern Illinois Shrine Club, Asnar Shrine Club and the Olive branch Lodge. He will be missed by all that knew him. A celebration of the life of William E. Curly Long will begin at 10:00am on Friday, October 22, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a life celebration home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville with burial and military honors by the Danville American Legion Post # 210 following the service at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Pastor Jack Wagoner has been asked to officiate the service. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4-7pm on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the funeral home, with a Masonic Service beginning at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the Long family has asked that all donations be made to the Pleasant Grove Bible Chapel or the donors favorite charity. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com