Bradley Charles Long, age 45, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Thursday afternoon, May 9, 2024.
He was born August 2, 1978, in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Phillip and Joan (Wilson) Long.
Brad lived a full life and enjoyed a variety of activities. While at Du Quoin high school, he played drums in the band and was a member of the speech and drama team. He graduated with a master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, where he was a member and house manager for the chemistry fraternity, Alpha Chi Sigma. He also participated in a variety of sports, including tennis, which he played with his father, mother, and brother, and, more recently, disc golf. Brad worked as an Oncology Specialist Scientist for Illumina, Inc.
His favorite television show was Game of Thrones, and he was a fan of survival shows, such as “Alone” and “Naked and Afraid.” He regularly kayaked and camped along the Eleven Point River in southern Missouri. His favorite activity was spending time with friends and family, including his Goddaughter, Hillary, who he spoiled. He could be stern, however, like the time he told her she had to finish her pie before she could have ice cream.
He is survived by his parents: Phillip and Joan Long of North Port, Florida; Goddaughter: Hillary Blasdel of Lebanon; best friend: Joe (Amy) Blasdel of Lebanon; aunts: Jean (Rick)
Porter of Flora, Jill (Jon) Holman of Mt. Vernon, and Jane Mills (Norm Ross) of Pleasant Plains; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother: Jeffery Wilson; maternal grandparents: Robert and Ruth Wilson; paternal grandparents: Milliard and Lucille Long; and an uncle: Charles (Ruth) Long.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Private interment will take place in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. A visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to a college fund for the benefit of Hillary Blasdel. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com