Joseph E. Strange

With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Joseph E. Strange, who peacefully departed this life on March 22, 2024, at Jupiter Medical Center in Florida, encircled by the love of his devoted wife and cherished family. Born on March 8, 1943, in Atlanta, Texas, Joseph was the beloved son of Mack and Mable Strange.
Joseph's journey began at Pascagoula High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1961 in Mississippi. His path then led him to serve with honor in the U.S. Navy on the Theodore Roosevelt Polaris Submarine Service. It was during this time that he united his life with Ellen Collier from Easton, Maryland, in matrimony on April 26, 1964.
Post his distinguished service in the Navy, Joseph flourished as an adept salesman, becoming a prominent distributor of household essentials such as Kirby vacuums, Brother sewing machines, and other specialty products. In 1978, he embarked on a new venture, founding Tidewater SewVac, which burgeoned into a network of 17 stores spanning Suffolk to Williamsburg, Virginia, before consolidating into six larger establishments. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Joseph made significant contributions to his community, serving on the Virginia Beach Planning Commission from 2001 to 2011 and later on the Virginia Beach Economic Development Authority from 2013 to 2023, where he advocated for the interests of small businesses.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joseph embraced life's pleasures with zest. An avid golfer, he boasted three hole-in-ones, finding joy in the serenity of the greens. He found solace in the rhythms of music, the beauty of poetry, and the excitement of Alabama football. Florida held a special place in his heart, where he relished moments of relaxation. Most importantly, he cherished the bonds of family, finding delight in evenings spent playing cards and sharing laughter.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Mable Strange, and his siblings: Mary Anderson, Arrie Dollard, Volna Butler, Elbert Strange, David Strange, and Mack Strange. He leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories cherished by his beloved wife, Ellen C. Strange; his daughter, Cheryl Simmons of Virginia Beach; his daughter, Sandra Wright, and son-in-law, David Wright of Midlothian; his granddaughters, Carly Wright and Lindsey Wright of Midlothian; his sister, Kathy Rouse, and brother-in-law, Harold Rouse of Red Level, Alabama; his cousin, Luther Scott, and wife, Roberta Scott of Soso, Mississippi; his brother-in-law, Robert Stanley Collier, Jr., and wife, Fay Collier of Harrington, Delaware; his sister-in-law, Elaine Trice, and husband, Sam Trice of Colby, Wisconsin; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched with his warmth and generosity.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 8:30 am to 9:00 am at Hollomon-Brown, Kempsville Chapel. A service will follow at 9:00 am, also at the Kempsville Chapel, with interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Easton, Maryland, at 4:00 pm, a final resting place befitting his life's journey.