William (Bill) Furlong of Rockwood TN passed away on June 13, 2026 at the age of 76.  Bill was born to Paul and Mary Lorea Furlong in Dayton, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ed Furlong and sister, Charlotte Jones.  Bill is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Furlong; stepbrother, Butch Whiteside, cousin, Carol Leckey, devoted dog Carly and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill and Ellen are forever grateful to Laurie Birt for her unwavering friendship, comfort and support over the years and during this difficult time.

Bill grew up in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Tecumseh High School.  He joined the U.S. Navy and served for 4 years. While in Vietnam he was an engine mechanic on a river boat. Bill earned 2 purple hearts during his time in Vietnam. He then served on the USS Concord and shared many happy memories of his time on the ship.  He returned to Dayton, Ohio and spent over 30 years as a HVAC technician for Local 162 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. During his career, he was friend, mentor, coach and boss to many in his field. Bill was a highly skilled mechanic and enjoyed racing his 1950 Chevy, restoring old cars, loving his many dogs, fishing boating, and working on projects.  It seemed there was nothing he couldn’t repair. He retired to Tennessee and lived out his retirement dream.

Special thanks to The Groves of Oak Ridge and Shalom Hospice for their kindness, compassion and excellent care they provided.

In keeping with his wishes, no formal celebration of life will be held.  If you wish to make a gesture in his memory, please consider a donation to a specialorganization that embraces his love of dogs and helping veterans.  The organization is Smoky Mountains Dogs , 8380 Fairview Rd, Lenoir City TN , http://www.smokymountainservicedogs.org (provides service dogs to Veterans and first responders).

Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston in charge of all the arrangements.