William Long, Iii

William “Billy” Long III, 63, of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on November 7, 2021 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, after a long battle with heart failure.

Billy was born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 23, 1958, son of William and Betty Long II. He attended Ricker Middle school where he met his best friend JoAnn Weaver. Billy loved God, family, life, and sports. He played football at Buena Vista High School where he graduated in 1976. After graduation JoAnn went from being his friend to girlfriend. Billy began 31 years of service at General Motors. During his time there, Billy created many lasting friendships with his amazing spirit and winning smile.

In 1978 Billy finally made JoAnn his wife. In this 43-year union they created three beautiful children. Billy created lasting memories with his family over the years. He provided love and support to so many outside of the home he built. His wife and children were blessed to have been able to share Billy with so many. He was so much to so many. The impact he made on everyone he knew and loved should continue in absence.

Billy was a die-hard fan of the Detroit Lions. Win, lose (often), or draw he supported them to the end. Billy loved all genres of music and has the record collection to prove it. His favorite way to relax was sitting in his recliner in his family room playing video games, sitting at his computer playing spades online with is family, short phone calls to check on loved ones, watching old movies in his recliner while whistling, or spending time with his loving wife.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents William and Betty Long II, his son William Long IV, brothers Roger Long and Timothy Long, and father-in-law Charlie L. Weaver.

Billy leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, JoAnn Long; daughter, Harmonie (Dante) Robertson, Nashville, Tennessee; son, Joshuawan Long, Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Sha’Kynah and Dante Robertson, Nashville, Tennessee, Quentin and Devontae Kruger, Saginaw, Michigan; sisters, Claudia (Richard) Allen, Lansing, Michigan, Erica ( Frank) Reed, Lathrup Village, Michigan; brothers, Tommy Long, Ohio; Allen (Sandra) Long, Saginaw, Michigan, Kenneth (Ivory) Long, Detroit, Michigan; mother-in-law, Helen Honey; sister in-law, Yvonne Long, Rosa Haywood, Deatera Wafer-Long, Shirley Long, Cheryl Long, brother-in-law, Charles Weaver, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Bohlman; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to express special thanks to everyone who has sent prayers and condolences to them during this time. Also, to the staff of Covenant Hospital ICU, and University of Michigan CICU, for all the love and care shown to Billy during his time.

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