Willie James Long, affectionately known as “Bubba,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 26, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was born on June 5, 1948, in Columbus, Georgia, and lived a life marked by duty, humor, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

Willie graduated from South Girard High School in Phenix City, a milestone that helped shape the disciplined and steady man so many came to know and love. He carried himself with a strong sense of purpose, and that purpose was nowhere more evident than in his military service, which remained the accomplishment of which he was most proud.

In September 1966, Willie joined the United States Marine Corps as a Communications Wireman. From September 1968 to March 1969, he deployed to Vietnam in support of Allied Forces during the Vietnam War, where he participated in eight named combat operations. He later returned for a second tour in Vietnam from October 1972 to December 1972 in support of operations conducted by the 1st Marine Air Wing. Over the course of his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross), Good Conduct Medal, and NCO Professional Development Ribbon. He continued serving as a Marine until 1973, and later joined the California Air National Guard, where he served the remainder of his 27-year military career as an Armor Crewman and Tank Commander before retiring honorably in May 1998. A Vietnam veteran, Willie’s life reflected his patriotism, his discipline, and his enduring desire to serve both his country and his community, including his continued work in security.

Beyond his years of service, Willie was a man of warmth and character. He was funny and witty, with a goofy laugh that could brighten a room and a love for a good story. He enjoyed old westerns and crime documentaries, and he found joy in karate, model cars, walking, and reading. A martial artist with a black belt in Okinawan Goju-ryu karate, he balanced strength with quiet reflection. He enjoyed his own company and treasured quiet time with a good book. He appreciated the simpler things in life and carried himself with steadiness rather than show, always grounded by a strong sense of duty.

Some of the happiest moments of Willie’s life were spent with his family. He loved spending time with his daughter Angela. He loved driving cross-country to visit his daughters LaToyah and Jessica and his son Christopher. He cherished attending the Marine Corps Ball with his son Derric, and he enjoyed sharing laughter with his son Yumtobby. He was also a proud granddad to DJ, with whom he spent many special hours playing and watching movies. These moments of connection, travel, laughter, and love remained close to his heart.

Willie was the father of seven children and the patriarch of a large and growing family. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Angela Brown, LaToyah LostFeather, Jessica Long, and his goddaughter Sandra Hill; by his sons Derric Threatt, Yumtobby Threatt, Christopher Long, and Jonathan Bradley; and by his sisters, Gwendolyn Jones and Brenda Pearce. His legacy also lives on through his 22 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carries forward a part of his strength, humor, and enduring spirit.

Willie James Long will be remembered as a devoted serviceman, a loving father and grandfather, a proud veteran, and a man who found meaning in loyalty, laughter, and time spent with those he loved most. His life was one of service and quiet strength, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.