Jack B. Strong's Obituary
Jack Strong, 85, finally overcame his 8-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. He ascended into heaven very peacefully at his home, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and both siblings, Kathryn Clark and Jim Strong; all of whom also died of Alzheimer’s. Visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home on Thursday, August 6 from 6-8pm, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at First Methodist Church of Longview on Friday, August 7 at 3pm.
Jack Boynton Strong was born on February 18, 1930 in Carthage, Texas to James Garrison Strong and Willie Belle Boynton Strong. He graduated from Carthage High School, attended Lon Morris College, graduated from UT Austin, and UT Austin School of Law in 1952. In 1958, Jack moved to Longview where he practiced law and began his additional career as a business developer of real estate, apartment complexes, and hotels. He served in the Texas Senate from 1962 to 1971 and then State Board of Education from 1971-1979, in addition to many other state and local commissions, committees and boards throughout his life. Jack retired from his political and legal career in 2000 after enjoying years of partnership with longtime friend, Kerry Cammack, at Cammack & Strong in Austin.
His life’s work and mission always centered around equality--in race relations, education, business, jobs, the economy, religion and access to necessary services like food, shelter, employment and legal resources. Teaching Sunday School for 50 years, reading and studying philosophers and world religions, investing in art, antiques and racehorses, and watching Longhorn football were activities and hobbies he enjoyed. Jack received many awards, most notably one of Five Outstanding Young Texans in 1965 and the Unity Award in 2012. He was the first East Texan to join the NAACP, volunteered weekly at Longview Community Ministries, co-founded Longfellows Association, helped establish Margaret’s House Hospice, advocated for Alzheimer’s research with Nelda, and supported the Longview Museum of Art. Jack and Nelda are members of First Methodist Church of Longview.
He is survived by his wife, Nelda; children Bill and Charlotte Strong Joyner, Greg Strong, Steve and LeAnn Strong, Joe and Catherine Strong, Mark and Carolyn Ann Walgren, Corey and Aliceson Howell; 15 grandchildren; extended family and many close friends. In lieu of donations, Jack’s wish was for all to pay it forward in any way in which they choose with a mindset of love and equality—just as he lived.
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