Eddie M Long

PEKIN ~ Eddie Mac Long, 63, of 1030 Park Avenue, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at his home.

Born March 25, 1948 in Marion, KY to Earl "Toby" and Elsie (Whorton) Long, he married Linda Schmitgall on December 8, 1969 in Pekin.  He later married Barbara R. "Toddy" Simpson on July 29, 1982 in rural Green Valley.  She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Shannon (Brian) Cox of Pekin and Tobi (Mark) Sondag of Manito; one step-daughter, Terry "Tes" Cooper of Spring Lake; one step-son, Richard Smith of Longmont, CO; nine grandchildren, Jake Smith, Jesse Owens, Wesley Green, Whitney Green, Brittany Cox, Nathan Sondag, Matthew Sondag, Alyssa Sondag and Bobbie Cox; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Vickie) Long of Salem, KY and one sister, Reta (Darryl) Waddey of Nashville, TN.  He also leaves a sister-in-law, Kay Long of Marion, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one step-son, Ralph "Butch" Smith; one brother, Bob Long and three sisters, Marilyn Fennel, Donna Rammage and Judy Donaldson.

He was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

Eddie worked for Hoyle School Transportation for 39 years as a mechanic and driver, retiring in 2008.

He enjoyed golfing and fishing in bass tournaments.  He formerly enjoyed bowling in leagues at Roxy's Lanes in Pekin and driving stock cars in the 1970’s.  He was a fan of the Chicago Bears.

Eddie was a member of New Covenant Church of God in rural Peoria.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Pastor John Vaughn will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Covenant Church of God, 7023 West School House Road, Peoria, IL 61607.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com