Willoby W. Long

Willoby W. Long, 85, of Peoria passed away at 9:37pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at Heddington Oaks in West Peoria. He was born November 7, 1928 in Valley Hills, MS the son of Walter and Hallie Griffin Long Sr. He married Barbara J. Smith on March 24, 1990 in Waukegan, IL. Surviving are his wife of Peoria, three sons; Phinez Roulds of Waukegan, IL; Thomas Roulds of Elgin and Robert (Frieda) Roulds of Peoria; two daughters Cynthia (Ray) Golden and Roxie Smith both of Peoria. He is the grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. One son William (Butch) Long, 3 brothers, and 1 sister preceded him in death. At the age of 15 he left high school to work at a steel mill in Waukegan. At the age of 18 he joined the US Air Force serving his country for 4 years until he was honorably discharged. He later worked for AT&T also in Waukegan for many years. He was a 33rd degree mason at the Masonic Lodge in Waukegan, IL. He was a Ward Chapel AME Church in Peoria where he served as a steward and the bow organization also within the church. Cremation Rites have been accorded with a memorial service scheduled for 11am Saturday, February 15th at Ward Chapel AME Church in Peoria. Burial of his remains will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL at a later date. Memorials in his name may be given to his church. Notes of condolences for the family may be sent using www.peoriafuneral.com.