June 30, 1923 – September 6, 2007 ARLINGTON â?? Funeral services for Jerry C. Strong, 84, will be at 3:00 P.M., Monday, September 10, 2007 at Meador Funeral Home Chapel in Whitesboro with Rev. Steve Darden, Rev. Cindy Kennedy and Rev. Dois Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 P.M. Sunday, September 9, 2007 at the funeral home.
Jerry C. Strong, our dear husband, father, and friend, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, September 6, 2007. Jerry was born on June 30, 1923 in Lawton, Oklahoma to two loving parents, Malry and Nobel Strong. Jerry spent his childhood in Oklahoma. He graduated high school from Chickasha High School in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma from 1941-1943. He joined the US Air Force from 1943-1945. He was a gunner on a plane and flew forty-four missions during World War II. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star, two bronze oak leaf cluster air medals, a Good Conduct Medal, and a WWII Victory American Theater Ribbon. After the service, Jerry completed his business degree at the University of Oklahoma. He received his Masters of Business Administration in 1951 from North Texas University. He began his career as a business teacher in Wichita Falls, Texas. He taught high school math in Graham, Texas, and he also taught at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. He returned to Whitesboro to assist his father with his Strong Truck and Tractor business in 1951. From 1958-1961, he was a training instructor and accounting specialist at Sheppard Air Force Base. He began his career with the Federal Government in 1961 traveling eight states as a field representative for HUD. He retired from this job in 1975 and began his career with the City of Arlington. He was the Assistant Director of Housing and Urban Renewal in Arlington, Texas from 1975 until his retirement in 1989.
Jerry met and married Shirley Gaile Suddath from Whitesboro, Texas on April 20, 1963. They began their relationship as carpool partners and eventually fell in love. They raised their two children, Clint and Suzette, in Arlington, Texas.
Jerry enjoyed music and instilled this hobby in both his children. He was an avid guitarist and jazz music lover. One of his greatest pastimes was introducing his con Clint to his love of guitar and jazz. He also enjoyed shooting and photography.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Shirley Strong of Arlington; a son, Clint Strong of Arlington; a daughter, Suzette Strong of Whitesboro; one grandson, C.J. Strong and a beloved dog, Tico; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Pallbearers are: Gary Brunner, Hollis Lackey, Bill Canales, Joe Settlemires, Thomas Van Hoose and Chris Kennedy.
Honorary pallbearers are: Kyle McCoy, Glenn Moore and Miles Capehart.
The Strong Family would like to thank Dr. Jameson, Dr. Meltzler, Heide Horton, PA., and the Staff and nurses of Ameritech Kidney Center in Arlington, Texas for providing Jerry with such excellent care. We would also like to thank Dr. Leach, Molly Boggs, PA, and Dr. Randall Hayes for their medical assistance. We owe a wealth of gratitude to the nurses and staff of Allstar Home Hospices in Arlington, Texas. Thank you for making Jerryâ??s last days comfortable and for all your love and support to our family. We would like to thank Malinda Hilliard and Bridgett Murray for their love, devotion, and dedication.
Memorial contributions can be made to; All Star Home Hospice, 1032 W. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 200, Arlington, TX 76013