William Groves Long

William Groves Long, 89, of Burlington passed away at the Coble Health Care Center at Twin Lakes Community on Thursday, June 14, 2018.

A native of Morgantown, WV, Bill was the husband of the late Marjorie Lantz Long, the son of Jay Everett Long and Beulah Groves Long, and brother of Kitty Steele, all deceased. Bill and Marjorie raised four children, Kathleen, Chris, Michele and David, and the family also includes six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers in law, nieces and nephews, and his devoted goddaughter, Lynne Adams.

Bill was a veteran of the U. S. Army who served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. A proud Mountaineer, he graduated from West Virginia University in political science. He carried his love of politics and political debate with him throughout his life, including teaching college courses in political science. He spent his entire career as a college administrator beginning at N.C. State University before spending many years at UNC Chapel Hill, Kalamazoo College, and Elon College before retiring in 1990.

He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Yale University and was an ordained minister. Bill particularly enjoyed officiating at weddings for his students, family and friends. He was a member of the American Baptist Church, the United Church of Christ and, most recently, the Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir at the Church of the Holy Comforter.

A memorial service will be conducted at Holt Chapel, Holt Chapel Lane, Elon, NC on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family will gather from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, and a reception will be held at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chris Lantz Memorial Fund (http://www.chrislantz.org).

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