Mr. Billy Joe Long, 96, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Known to all as "Bill" and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend to all, Mr. Long was born May 1, 1929, in St. Clair County, Alabama, the son of the late Mack T. and Darkous Wilbanks Long. He devoted his professional life to Ford Motor Company, where he served for 30 years, including many years as an inspector on the Hapeville plant's assembly line, before retiring in 1982. For more than 75 years, he was a faithful and proud member of Antioch Baptist Church in Whitesburg, Georgia, serving for decades as a deacon, choir director and church treasurer.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Dempsey and Paulette Long, of Carrollton; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Steve Campbell, of Carrollton; grandchildren and their spouses, Craig (Angie) Long, Casey (Heather) Long, Chad Campbell, Colton (Becca) Campbell; great-grandchildren, Lane (Baylee) Long, Braeden Long, Carter Long, Luke Long, Jaxson Long, Caden Campbell, Carson Campbell, Presley Campbell, and Kirby Campbell; great-great-granddaughter, Evie Long; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Florence Long, and five brothers and sisters.

A kind and gentle soul who loved to laugh and enjoyed a good meal, Mr. Long treasured time spent with family and friends, often gathered around a table at Top O' the River. His love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the center of his life. Truly a Child of the King, Mr. Long spent the majority of his life sharing the gospel through music, testimony and a life well lived. Now, he is reunited with Florence and so many loved ones who went before him. What a Meeting in the Air it must have been.

The family will receive friends at the Almon Funeral Home on Monday, March 16, from 5-7 p.m. Mr. Long will lie in state at Antioch Baptist Church in Whitesburg, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 1-2 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. The Rev. Alvin Hunnicutt and the Rev. Jeff Childers will officiate the service, with Chad and Colton Campbell presenting eulogies. Music will be by Judy Hunnicutt.

Pallbearers will be Craig Long, Casey Long, Chad Campbell, Colton Campbell, Lane Long, Braeden Long, Carter Long, and Luke Long. Honorary pallbearers will be Jaxson Long, Caden Campbell and Carson Campbell.

Interment will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.