Willie Mack Herlong, 97, died at his home January 11, 2009. Mr. Herlong was born in Crenshaw County March 30, 1911, served in the US Navy during World War II and owned a garage in Kansas City, Missouri for 29 years. He moved home to 139 Golson Road in Fort Deposit after the death of his mother in 1966. Mr. Herlong was a faithful member of the Fort Deposit United Methodist Church, a member of the Fort Deposit Masonic lodge, a mechanic and a carpenter; he was an avid fisherman and coon hunter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Rosa Herlong; siblings Jim Neil Herlong, Lurleen H. Hoffman, Julius Cromelin Herlong, and an infant sister. He is survived by his sisters Clarice H. Geiger, Syracuse, NY and Rose H. Ellis, Fort Deposit, AL, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. His family is extremely grateful for the compassion and concern of Mr. Mack’s caregivers Deidra Frost, Elizabeth Frost, Lois Hale, Angie Houser, and Jearline Grant, and for the faithful companionship of friends David Edwards, Rupert Frazier, and Bob Overstreet.
Funeral services will be January 14, 2008, 11 a.m., in the chapel of the Fort Deposit United Methodist Church, Reverend Dennis Carlson, officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour before the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery. Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by Fort Deposit United Methodist Church, PO Box 398, Fort Deposit, AL 36032.
Mr. Mack’s quick, infectious, twinkling smile revealed his immense capacity for friendship. “Abyssinia”.