Jimmy Strong, 86


Jimmy Strong, 86

Funeral services for Ozark County native Jimmy Strong, 86, of Gainesville were held Feb. 6, 2018, at the Gaines-ville Church of Christ with Halbert Smith officiating. Mr. Strong died Feb. 4 at the Good Samaritan Society home in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He was born Jan. 27, 1932, near Luna, the son of Lisses and Ethel Pitcock Strong. 

On April 16, 1953, in Kansas City, he married Laveta Evans, also of Ozark County. The couple made their home on a farm east of Gainesville with their three children. 

On Jan. 27, Mr. Strong celebrated his 86th birthday surrounded by family and friends. When asked recently what one accomplishment in his life he was proudest of, he responded with “starting the Strong turkey farm.”

When his children were young, he was actively involved in the local 4-H clubs. He cherished his time with family and friends. For the last few years, one of his favorite activities was going for drives through the countryside; many family members have fond memories of sharing this time with him. His many other interests included traveling, gardening, working jigsaw puzzles, crafting and food.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Penny James and husband Jerry of Raymore, Tandy Strong and wife Theresa, and Sandy Strong and wife Cindy, all of Gainesville; six grandchildren, April Lynne and husband Matt, Justin Strong and wife Marsha, Nathaniel James, Sherrie Walker, Julie Strong and Leci Strong; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Carl Strong of Republic; three sisters, Mary Lutz of Holden, Marcella Crawford and Louella Dutton and husband Jim, all of Mountain Home; brothers- and sisters-in-law Lyndell Strong, Geneva Froman, Velma Strong, Shearl Evans, Lavonne Stone, Ronnie Evans and wife Vicky and Delores James; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, four brothers, an infant sister and an infant grandson.  

Burial was in the Sallee Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sallee Cemetery or Gainesville Church of Christ. Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423