Arthur James Strong, born Nov. 15, 1934, died April 10, 2010.
He was reared in Fort Morgan by his father, Gillard Clark Strong Sr., a ship’s captain, and his mother, Maud Coulson Strong. He enjoyed fishing in the Mobile Bay area, and his love for the outdoors carried into his adult life.
He attended Leinkauf Grammar School and Foley Junior High School.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and received his GED while in the Navy.
He was an oiler for Warrior Gulf Navigation; a quality control technician at Ingalls Shipbuilding; logistics technician with Litton and the West Bank; construction worker for Edwards Engineeering Co.; quality control inspector and ship superintendent for ADDSCO; quality control techician for Lockheed Petroleum; and was an antique dealer and furniture refinisher.
While living in Elsanor 33 years, he was known by many and fully participated in community life. At one time, he had a small museum attached to his home with artifacts and relics, which local school children would often visit on field trips.
He was an avid collector of interesting objects and was once featured in the newspapers for his Native American pieces.
He led a storied life. He won awards at the county fair for furniture making, using recycled wood before it was popular to do so. He also had an immense interest in gardening and many in the community have enjoyed his satsumas and figs.
He was an alumnus of Home of Grace for Men in Vancleave, Miss., and continued to support its mission throughout his life.
He will be deeply missed by family, friends and his canine companion, Biscuit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maud Henrietta Coulson Strong and Gillard Clark Strong Sr.; and a brother, Gillard Clark Strong Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Dianne Dantzler Strong; two daughters, Maridon (Ben) Bradley and Pamela (Wayne) Dilling; four grandchildren, Christina (Nathan) Goeke, Steven Ray, Justin Strong and Katherine Bradley; five great-grandchildren, Taylor Johnston, Lili Young, Larry Wayne Smith, Ashton Charles Ray and Danni Reneigh Ray; nephew, Gillard Clark Strong III, and his children, Brian (Crystal) Strong, Brandy Strong and Derek Strong, and their families; cousin, Thelma Wasden Strong and her children, Robert “Bobbie” Strong, Buddy (Marcia) Strong, and Jane Strong, and their families; his first wife, Merle Nelson (Larry) Salter; brother-in-law, Col. Louis Mitchell (Karen) Dantzler; and their children, Robbie, Katie and Sarah; and numerous other cousins.
The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Baldwin County for their many kindnesses and concern. He and his family were treated with dignity and respect.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 14 at Mack Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15 at Shell Banks Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Shell Banks Cemetery.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Home of Grace for Men, P.O. Box 5009, Vancleave, MS 39565.
Arrangements are by Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, Robertsdale.
