Baylor Grieves Loss of Faithful Supporter, Friend

Alumnus and friend of Baylor University, Dr. William "Will" Bowman Long of Belton, Texas, died Feb. 23, 2010, at the age of 88. Having established a lasting legacy of kindness and philanthropy, Long is survived by his wife, Mary (BA '44, MA '65) and their four children -- all Baylor graduates -- 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, on Friday, Feb. 26, from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Belton, on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m.

"Will Long was a rare person -- someone who knew the importance of not only investing in the lives of others, but of having a good laugh, too," Dr. David E. Garland, Baylor's interim president and dean of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary, said. "His generous life style has left a mark on Baylor University that will not be erased with time."

Long attended Baylor from 1939-42 before earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas in 1945 and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston in 1951. Membership in the Baylor Chamber of Commerce and the Nose (now NoZe) Brotherhood were experiences that Long (also known as Willy "Bro. Short Nose" Long) treasured during his Baylor years and areas of Baylor student life that held his interest and support for the rest of his life.

Completing his education did nothing to diminish Long's involvement with and commitment to Baylor; instead, it only intensified over the years. Along with serving on the Baylor Board of Regents from 1991 to 2000, Long was a member of the Old Main Society and Bear Foundation, as well as many other organizations at the university.

In 2004, Dr. and Mrs. Long were honored for their steadfast support of Baylor with the Founders Medal, the university's most distinguished award which is reserved for men and women whose service and contributions have been unusually significant to the life and future of the university. And, in 2005, the Longs also received the W.R. White Meritorious Service Award.

Sharing an unabated love for Baylor, her students and a desire to honor both their family legacies and Baylor traditions, Dr. and Mrs. Long established the Ernest E. and Sadie Boone Farrow Endowed Scholarship Fund, Mamie Edith Boone Scholarship Fund and Nose Brotherhood Endowed Scholarship Fund. Due to their generous investment in the lives of Baylor students through scholarships, they are recognized as members of the Director's Circle in the Endowed Scholarship Society.

Other areas of Baylor that have benefited from the couple's gracious philanthropy include the McLane Student Life Center, Baylor Bear Foundation, The Presidents Club, Student Foundation, Baylor University Golden Wave Marching Band, the Harry and Anna Jeanes Discovery Center of the Mayborn Museum Complex and many programs within Baylor Athletics.

Well-respected in the medical community, Long retired in 2002 after a distinguished 50-year medical practice as physician and owner of Belton Medical Center. He was associated with the Bell County Medical Society and held memberships in the Texas State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

An active servant-leader in his hometown, Long was a committed member of First Baptist Church of Belton, as well as a deacon and former chairman of deacons. He also served as a member and past-president of the Belton Lions Club, member and past-president of the Belton Chamber of Commerce and a former member and president of the Belton ISD Board of Trustees.