Billy was born on July 5, 1946, in Beaufort, South Carolina, to the late Lena Reba Finley and Riley Oliver Long Sr. He grew up with a strong work ethic and a love for people that stayed with him throughout his life.

For many years Billy worked in the textile mills until 2000, providing for his family through hard work and determination. In 1985, he started Hickory Tavern Trash Service, a business that became more than just a job to him.
Billy truly loved the people he served. He looked forward to his routes not just for the work, but for the conversations. Known for being an avid talker, he never met a stranger and could turn a simple pickup into a friendly visit that left people smiling.

On October 6, 1967 Billy married the love of his life, Mickie Ann Brown. Together they built a life centered around their family, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their love and commitment lasted for decades and became the foundation of a large and close-knit family.

Billy was a proud father to his daughters, Maria Gaillard and Angela Miner (Eddie Wilson). Nothing brought him more joy than watching his family grow. He adored his grandchildren, Katlyn Brown (Jacob Farrow), Austin Brown, Tiffani Willingham, Noah Gaillard (Jerika Gaillard), and Ella Williams (Tammy Hughes), and treasured every moment he could spend with them.

His pride only grew with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Maxwell Goole, Blaze Brown, Gracelyn Brown, Arizona Willingham, Willow Willingham, and McClaine Gaillard. They brought him endless smiles and were a constant reminder of the legacy of love he built.

When Billy wasn’t working or spending time with family, he loved being outdoors, especially fishing. There was something about being near the water that brought him peace. Whether he was casting a line or sitting nearby telling stories, those moments were some of his happiest.

Billy was also known in his family for being a wonderful cook. He loved cooking for the people he cared about, and many will remember the meals shared around the table. His fried chicken was especially famous among family and friends—many would say it was the best you could ever taste.

In addition to his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Billy is also survived by his siblings, Roy Long (Carolyn Long), Riley Long (Marlene Long), and Margaret McCuen. He also leaves behind special nieces, Cyndi Dyal (Wayne Dyal), Michelle Gillard (Brad Gillard), and Ronda Prince (Benji Prince), along with many other cherished family members and friends.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Lena Reba Finley and Riley Oliver Long Sr., and his siblings, Buddy Long, JB Long, and Becky Kitchens.

Billy will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love of conversation, and the way he could make anyone feel like a friend. More than anything, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love for his family was the center of his world.

Though he will be deeply missed, the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Parker-White Funeral Home, Ware Shoals with Rev. Mark Lowe officiating. Burial will be private.

The family will be at the home and will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM Sunday at Parker-White Funeral Home prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com