Harold Durwood Strahan

Harold Durwood Strahan was born on July 15, 1929 in Forester, Arkansas the youngest of four children born to Henrietta Stone Strahan and Pratt Harl (P.H.) Strahan. Durwood served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957 in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Durwood passed away on January 5 at age 82. Durwood was predeceased by his parents who he cared for until their death. He was also predeceased by his brothers Clyde and Bill Strahan, his sister Joy Strahan Roys and his beloved daughter Carla Strahan King. Durwood is survived by the love of his life and his wife of 52 years, Betty Southall Strahan. He is also survived by his daughter, Lisa Strahan Babin, son-in-law, Kenn Babin, granddaughter Alexa Babin all of Shreveport and grandson, Kole King and son-in-law, Randy King of Sheridan. Also surviving Durwood are numerous nieces and nephews and Betty's family all of which he enjoyed and treasured greatly. Durwood was raised in Warren, Arkansas which remained a special place in his heart. He moved to Fordyce in 1969 after accepting a job with Georgia Pacific where he worked until his retirement. Durwood was a member of First Baptist Church since moving to Fordyce and deeply appreciated the guidance and love he and his family found in the church. The mellowing that occurred as Durwood became older can only be credited to the church and God above! His life-long hobby was training, breeding, riding and just spending time with his horses. His family spent many of their happiest times involving horses and the family farm. Durwood will long be remembered as a man who never met a stranger or held back from speaking his mind. He was widely known as a talker, a horseman and a man who loved his family, a clean yard, a good meal and his church. Durwood was known as Daddy Dag in his younger days and became Big D to his granddaughter and many of Lisa's friends and Papaw to Kole. Durwood was a "one of kind" who even when he got on your last nerve was someone who kept you entertained and made life a little more interesting. Durwood will be greatly missed by all those who knew him as there will be no replacing him. Memorials are requested to be made to First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. One of Durwood's many sayings was "you can't help a man unless he is down" so it is in that thought that the family extends its deepest appreciation to all those who helped in taking care of the house, the horses and for visiting him during his extended time in the hospital. Visitation will be Friday 6 pm until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday at Benton Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Reed officiating. Burial at Barnes Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.