Billy Murl Long

Billy Murl Long, 82, of Tichnor passed away February 12, 2019. He was born April 11, 1936 in Tichnor to Murl and Edith Whiting Long. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1958 and returned to Tichnor where he farmed. Over the years he served on the board of directors of Tichnor Drier, Grand Prairie Regional Water Distribution District, and Farm Bureau. He also was one of the founding members of the Tichnor Volunteer Fire Department. Billy Murl was also a member of the Gillett Methodist Church and the Gillett Farmers and Businessmen's Club. Billy Murl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janie Johnson Long, and sister, Laquita Cannon. He is survived by his sons and their wives, Heath and Betsy Long and Wes and CaSondra Long, and three granddaughters, Shelby, Sydney, and Weslie Jane Long. The family would like to thank the DeWitt Nursing Home for the care Billy Murl received, and Shirley Goodell, his friend and caregiver. Funeral services will 10 a.m. February 15 at Gillett Methodist Church with burial in Gillett Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral beginning at 9 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Gillett Methodist Church, P.O. Box 88, Gillett, Ark. 72055, or Gillett Cemetery, c/o Jennifer Lowe, P.O. Box 124, Gillett, Ark. 72055. www.essexfuneralhome.com.