H. L. "Tank" Long

H. L. "Tank" Long, 75, died June 25, 2010 in Benton. He was born Aug. 8, 1934 to the late Webster and Waneta (Duncan) Long in Big Rapids, Michigan. He graduated high school from Hardy, Arkansas. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas Tech University and a Master's Degree from Pepperdine University. He joined the U. S. Marine Corps in 1956 and served in Vietnam. He retired as a Colonel in 1978. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Action Medal, Cross of Gallantry, Secretary of Defense Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he taught American History and coached football at Catholic High School in Little Rock. He also taught social studies at Benton Middle School and coached football at Benton Junior High School. He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth, a former Navy Nurse; one son, Scott Long and wife, Tisha of Fayetteville; one daughter, Beth Long Diaz and husband, Thomas of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Scott Diaz, Duncan Diaz and Logan Long; one sister, Darlene Scott and husband, Robert of Kingsville, Texas, and many friends. A Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Benton with Father Joseph Ejimofor officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton on Wednesday, June 30, 2010. At the family's request, memorials may be made to Catholic High School Athletic Department; 6300 Father Tribou St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 34041, Little Rock, Ark., 72212. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.