West Virginia House Delegates Bill Bell and Charles Sheedy were instrumental in passing a bill in the recent legislative session that enabled the section of Rt. 7 to be named the William D. Long Memorial Road and having the appropriate signs erected by the DOH.

Private Long was killed in action during World War 11, in Belgium, on November 30, 1944.

Prior to his death in combat he lived near the 4-H camp.

At Saturday’s ceremony he was officially recognized for his bravery and honored through a speech and comments from family members. First cousin once removed Randy Loy, noted that his father’s mother Alleta Long Loy, is the sister of Jack Long, Billy’s father. He noted his father, Lawrence Harold Loy, is Billy’s first cousin.

Also present for the ceremony was Billy’s younger brother Larry Long and his wife Sue, along with other family members. The family was honored to have distinguished guests and state officials in attendance. Also attending the ceremony was Wetzel County Circuit Clerk Lori McCoy, whose late mother, Charlotte Long Wetzel, is Billy’s sister.

Private William Daniel Long was born on March 13, 1923, the son of William C. Long, known as “Jack” and to Jack’s wife the former Sarah Loralene Hoskins. He registered for the draft at the War Memorial Building in New Martinsville, in June of 1942, at the age of 19, unfortunately he was killed in action at the young age of 21.

Randy said the family had been looking for a way to honor the sacrifice that Billy made for the nation and the freedom of millions. They decided to seek to have a section of road dedicated in his name and with the help of state and local officials they made it happen.

Today and in the future as people pass by the sign along RT 7, near the 4-H Camp they can be reminded that a brave soldier William Daniel Long who sacrificed his life defending this great nation, once lived in a house along the highway near the entrance to the Camp.