Billy Long

Friends and family mourn the passing of Billy Long, 58, who died suddenly on March 19 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The loss is unimaginable being that Billy lived much of his all too short time on earth in a big way. But his life can be defined by his honest and sincere appreciation for the simple things?the love of his family; a delicious meal of chicken parm and vanilla ice cream; magical summer vacations in Cape May; well-timed and sometimes unquestionably inappropriate jokes; deep pride in a 25-year career on Wall Street; and coaching and serving as his boys' biggest cheerleader as they grew from amateur lacrosse players to Division III college athletes.

But, as anyone who knew and loved Billy can attest, his appreciation for life was anything but simple. He was the first in his family to attend boarding school; he took to Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, like a fish to water, embracing every moment of his four years there as a psychology major and brother of Lambda Chi Alpha?and, also, meeting his future wife, Susan, with whom he would later welcome sons Conner, Wyatt and Garrett. Billy's formative years at Peddie School in Hightstown, New Jersey, and, eventually, in Chestertown, certainly shaped the man he became and the full life he led.

Although the Long boys grew up in Sussex County, Billy's parents, William and Linda, made sure that their sons had the opportunity to see the world far beyond their home base in rural northwestern New Jersey. Family trips to Europe and other destinations over the summers centered on broadening their horizons and taking part in combined driving equestrian events and world championships; the Longs even spent a year traveling around the continental United States as Billy and his brother, Milton, got an education even they knew at the time would be impossible to achieve within the four walls of a classroom.

With a professional career that led him to work on the New York Stock Exchange and then more locally as a project manager for a solar company, Billy's true passion was his family, being with his boys, coaching youth lacrosse, and enjoying life in rural northwestern New Jersey. Billy will be lovingly remembered as the world's biggest procrastinator who, although he hated and often remarked when others were late, was somehow the last one ready for whatever the day or night had in store. He also equally endeared himself to and tested his family's patience in his role as relentless backseat driver and impatient foot tapper in fast food lines.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and colleagues alike, who will remember Billy as a loving dad who was immensely proud of his children and someone who loved hard, cared for everyone around him and always wanted to help others. Billy was predeceased by his father and brother; he is survived by his mother, Linda Ann (Staska) Long; his three sons; ex-wife, Susan; and many members of his extended family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Manly Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina, at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will be held in New Jersey later this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com

Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines