William Leon Long

William "Leon" Long, age 86 of Dayton, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, in his home. He was born in Fort Payne, AL, on February 16, 1939, the son of the late Claude and Mary Frances (Tipton) Long of Rossville, GA. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Winona (Sneed) Long; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Havard Sneed and Anna (Mize) Sneed of Dayton, TN; and his grandson, Jeremy Shell of Chattanooga, TN.

Leon spent his early childhood in DeKalb County, AL, before his family relocated to Rossville, GA, when he was approaching his teenage years. Following the completion of his education, he dedicated several years serving as a medic in the National Guard. He subsequently began working in downtown Chattanooga, TN, where he had the fortune of meeting his wife, Winona. The couple established their first home together in Americus, GA, before eventually returning to Oak Hill where they settled permanently.

A man of quiet strength and unwavering work ethic, Leon found satisfaction in tending to his farm and readily assisting neighbors with their farming needs. Throughout his life, he diligently maintained two jobs, dedicating himself from dawn until dusk to provide for his family. In addition to farming, he was a butcher around the Dayton area for many years, but due to health reasons he had to move into manufacturing maintenance. Though he never sought recognition, his compassion for those less fortunate was evident to all who knew him. His numerous acts of generosity remained largely unspoken, a testament to his humble character.

He is survived by his son, William "Kyle" (Leslie) Long of Spring City, TN; his two grandchildren, William Courtland "Corey" Alan Long of Chattanooga, TN, and Kyla Shell-Roddy of Signal Mountain, TN; his three great-grandchildren, Marley, Landon, and Callaway Shell-Roddy; his brother David (Frankie) Long of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and his two sisters, Virginia (Bernard) Nichols of Chickamauga, GA, and Laura (Buddy) Strickland of Arab, AL; his two brothers-in-law, Leon Sneed and Eddie Sneed, both of Dayton, TN; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside funeral service for Leon will be held at Rhea Memory Gardens on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Jim Woychuk officiating.

Please share your memories and photos of Leon on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, TN where they will receive friends on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 12:00 noon until 2:30 p.m.