John Edward Strong

John Edward Strong, 87, of Fordyce died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 at Dallas County Medical Center in Fordyce. John was born in Bleeker, Ark., January 4, 1929. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucille (Garlington) Strong; and one brother, Franklin D. Strong. He is survived by his wife of twenty five years, Betty Smith Strong of Fordyce; two sons, Glenn Strong and Gene Strong both of Sheridan; two daughters, Gail Short of Romance and Ginger Ellison of Oden; one sister, Christine Keene of Hot Springs; one brother-in-law, John Stephen Smith of Hot Springs (Jacinto); eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. John served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as U.S. Navy Ship Quarter Master. He chartered many islands that he himself found in the South Pacific, which he named a few. John loved to talk about the Navy, logging and brag on his grandchildren. He loved Fordyce and fell in love with Jacinto. John was a very honorable and loving husband and father. He so loved his Father in Heaven. Visitation will be Sunday 6-8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Benton Funeral Home with Brother Stan Jones, Brother Bobby Thornton, and Brother Gary Rayborn officiating. Burial will follow at Wright Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.