Willard “Samp” Long

Services for Willard “Samp” Long, 86, Athens, were held, Dec. 11 at Corley Funeral Home chapel, Corsicana, with the Rev. Jim Duncan officiating. Burial was in Hamilton-Beeman Cemetery.

Mr. Long died Dec. 8 at East Texas Medical Center in Athens.

He was born May 31, 1920 in Athens to the late Ivey Lee and Lelah Long. He was a cattle rancher and a member of Baxter Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Lee Long; daughters, Virginia Jones and Casara Jackson; and six brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Long of Athens; daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah and Kenny Clayburn of Mabank, Kay and Hubert Whittington of Tool, Mary and Debbs Hillhouse of Athens, Margarette and Duane Buley of Corsicana; sons and daughters in-law, Willard and Wanda Long of Whitehouse, David Long of Athens, Jerry and Julie Long of Louisville, Ky.; sister, Daisy Dyess of Clute; brothers, Raymond L. “Preacher” Long of Mesquite, and Doc Long of Hubbard; 22 grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Botie Hillhouse, Cody Clayburn, Lee Long, Craig Henson and Ernest Wallace.

A video tribute to Willard “Samp” Long may be viewed on the Internet by going to www.corleyfuneralhome.com. Select the proper obituary and click on the Video Memorials link.