William Daniel DeLong “Bill”, age 80, of Saginaw, MI, a beloved husband, father, teacher and coach, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Bill was born on April 16, 1946, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Robert Sr. and Adeline (Chamberlain) DeLong.

Bill attended Saginaw High School, where he was a standout multi-sport athlete. He graduated in 1964 with all-conference honors in basketball and baseball. He was blessed to play for many inspirational coaches, including Ken Gray, who he credits with inspiring him to pursue a career in teaching and coaching. After graduation, Bill took his talents to Central Michigan University where he played one year of basketball and three seasons of baseball.

He graduated from CMU in 1968 and began his teaching career in Saginaw Public Schools and began coaching basketball with Ron Vondette at Carrollton High School in 1969. He coached J.V. boys basketball from 1969-73 and again from 1979-1986. He was also the varsity baseball coach from 1970-73. In 1981 he became the varsity girls basketball coach at Carrollton. His girls teams won 5 district titles, 3 regional titles and 2 state championships. He was named Class C Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1982. He was the varsity boys basketball coach at Bay City Central from 1987-1990. Bill finished his coaching career as the varsity girls basketball assistant coach at Heritage High School from 2013-2020. During his tenure, Heritage won back to back state championships in 2018 and 2019.

More than all of his awards and recognitions, including being elected into the Michigan Basketball Coaches Hall of Honor, he was most proud of the players he coached over the years and the opportunity that coaching gave him to make a positive impact in so many lives. He cherished the relationships he developed in recent years with many of his former players.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Vonnie; his children: William Jr. (Rachel) DeLong, John DeLong, Melissa Nagel, Kelly (Steve) Henry, Kacy Killmer and Riley (Hassan) Mouzahem; brother, Richard (Sharon) DeLong; mother-in-law, Carol Thompson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Karin McClendon, Kenneth Jr. (Shelley) Thompson, Laura Jerome, Shelly (Marc) Piechotte, Keith (Jen) Thompson; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, students and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert DeLong Jr.; and his father-in-law, Kenneth Thompson Sr.

He deeply loved his faith, family and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603 on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. A Trisagion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4970 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Fr. Timothy Cook will officiate. Private entombment will be at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church or Blood Cancer United formerly Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com

William D. DeLong

April 16, 1946 - October 31, 2026

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