David Michael Stratton

Knoxville - David Michael Stratton, age 78, passed away on March 25, 2020 at University of Tennessee Medical Center. He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born in Vonore, Tennessee on April 10, 1941 to Worth and Helen Stratton. He graduated from Tellico Plains High School and went to the University of Tennessee on a football scholarship in 1958 and played at the tight end position. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1962, and played at the linebacker position for 11 years. He also played one year with the San Diego Chargers. He considered Buffalo his second home. After his football career, he owned Financial Solutions for many years as an insurance agent and financial advisor. Upon retirement he was active in his local NFLPA chapter of retired players. His retirement years were filled with family and friends as well as many ski trips as he came to love the sport. He also enjoyed fishing on Melton Hill Lake in West Knox county where he lived for 32 years. He was very active in and loved his church family at Apostles Anglican Church. David is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Edmonds Stratton, his brother, Joe E. Stratton of Birmingham and his great-nephew Joseph Stratton, also of Birmingham; three daughters: Melanie S. Patterson (Jacksonville, FL), Melissa A. Stratton (Powell, TN), Michelle S. Kenley (John) of Columbia, TN; and 1 son: David Michael Stratton, Jr. (Jeneen) of Maryville, TN; 10 grandchildren: Preston Shane Patterson (Rachel), John H. Kenley, Jr. (Mary), Benjamin E. Kenley (Reagan), Tyler A. Hayes (Morgan), Brianna Patterson, Abigail Patterson, Ez Patterson, Jared Stratton, Natalie Troth, and Alena Kenley; and 2 great-grandchildren: Ellis Patterson and Brielle Hayes. There will be a private, family memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Knoxville or The Wounded Warriors Foundation. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Stratton family and invites you to view and sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com.

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Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Mar. 26 to Mar. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Stratton

Sponsored by Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel - Knoxville.

6 Entries

Deborah Pursiful

April 8, 2020

I was honored to know Mike through two employers - he was an agent of ours at Appalachian National Life Insurance Company before the home office in Knoxville closed and he was a client of ours at Brown Jake & McDaniel, PC, the accounting firm I now work for. My deepest condolences to the family and all those who knew and loved him.

Clara Tolson

March 29, 2020

So sad to see of Mike's passing. I have enjoyed his boasting of his many family members, especially his grandchildren while I cut his hair. I will miss him.

Jeff and Peggie Hodgson

March 27, 2020

We will miss Mike, our brother in Christ, and our warmest wishes are extended to Jane and the rest of his family. He was a real gentleman who would step up to serve others and the world is a better place because Mike was with us. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

March 27, 2020

Michelle...I found out yesterday about your dad. I struggled with what to say.Would I write down all the times Michael took out the boat. Some times your mom and dad knew other times not. I still have trouble getting back on a tube behind a boat. Hanging out in the basement playing pool. Being sure of what my mom would do to me if I called her and said I had messed up my car again. I got to the house and begged your dad to call her for me.Without hesitation he did call. Told her to not be so hard on me. Children make mistakes. Then said he put the bumper in the trunk of my car. We parents need to look out for each other was how he ended the call.Other things that also came to mind was riding in the limo when you and John got married. Doing John's pizza route from pizza hut made your dad just shake his head. As we made several trips up and down Kingston pike. Which your dad saw from the parking lot at the facility club.I could go on.....Mom, Martha, and I want to say just how deeply sorry we are. It never is easy. We have lost touch over the years but would like to change that if we could. My heart breaks for you all....Laura "Turtle" Harris(865) 748-0586(865) 693-2192

Angela Banks

March 27, 2020

To:The Stratton Family you all have my deepest sympathy and you all are in my thoughts and prayers To Michael it was a blessing talking to you at the hospital even though your father has went home to be with the Lord you still was lifting up the name of Jesus and giving him all the honor ,glory and praise I'm praying for you all strength I believe God will see you through Eatrh has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal

Joe Stratton

March 26, 2020

I've lost my brother and best friend!

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