Richard Thomas Strong

RICHARD THOMAS STRONG, 79
OAK GROVE, LOUISIANA
Cox Funeral Home
Oak Grove, Louisiana
OAK GROVE, LA - Funeral services for Richard Thomas Strong, age 79 of Oak Grove, Louisiana will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Goodwill Church of God in Goodwill, Louisiana.
Reverends Glen Edmondson and Paul Ninemire will officiate.
Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Grove, Louisiana.
Services are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home of Oak Grove.
Visitation will be held from noon until time of service on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Goodwill Church of God.
Mr. Strong passed into eternal life on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at his residence in Oak Grove.
Richard T. Strong, born July 23, 1945, proudly raised on Beouf River. His West Carroll roots, big family, and dear friends were the pride of his life. He was always special by not only his sheer size, but also the impact he made throughout his life on others. After graduating from Forest High School, he made quite the impression on the football program at Northeast Louisiana University. He was redshirted as a freshman and later played semi-pro for the Twin City Panthers in the mid 60's. Richard was married to Mattie Rae Miller for nearly 59 years, and together they raised their children and grandchildren in the Green community.
He held many professions throughout his long life as a: cotton and okra picker, pipeliner, bouncer, social worker, dairy farmer, coach, ag teacher, FFA advisor, special education teacher, restauranteur, prison guard, and pipeline inspector. Far from being an idle man, he was also an expert in many fields including: calf puller, country "vet", auctioneer, music lover, coon dog and horse trader, goat herder, biscuit maker, collection curator, expert napper, avid reader, big fish pursuer, and legendary historian/storyteller of both fact and fiction.
For over 8 years as a West Carroll Parish Police Juror, he utilized a common-sense mentality to shape the parish. He was also a strong advocate for bringing broadband service to our rural community with his 25 years of leadership on the Northeast LA Power Cooperative.
His legacy involved leading, influencing, and molding young people through his ag classes, some in livestock show circles, coaching, and others simply in community and everyday life. He was a "father" to many and known as "Big Daddy" to all.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Alexander Strong; his mother, Sybil Mildred (Morgan) Strong; 3 grandchildren: Parker Strong, Joseph Strong, and Gresham Strong; 4 brothers: John R. Strong, Jim Strong, Bruce Strong, and Douglas "Coon" Strong; and 3 sisters: Shirley Abernathy; Dorothy Hill; and Sherry Sansone.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mattie Rae (Miller) Strong of Oak Grove, Louisiana; son and daughter-in-law, Richard Michael Strong and Alison Strong of Coushatta, Louisiana; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Kirk Talbot of River Ridge, Louisiana; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Ben Morris of Oak Grove, Louisiana; 6 grandchildren: Seth Strong (Brittany) of Nome, Alaska; Anna Beth "Annie" Talbot of Ivington, New York; Mary Cait "Sassy" Williams (Charlie) of Gulf Shores, Alabama; Michael Talbot of River Ridge, Louisiana; Ryder Strong of Oak Grove; and Carter Morris of Oak Grove; 3 great grandchildren: Rhett Williams; Mary-Alice "Sissy" Williams; and Truett Williams; mother of 3 grandchildren, Dena Strong of Gulf Shores, Alabama; special nephew, Carl Strong (Theresa) of Coldspring, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Bettye Strong of Oak Grove; brother, J. C. Strong of Oak Grove; brother and sister-in-law, Mackie and Joanna Strong of Baskin, Louisiana; and sister-in-law, Mary Strong of Oak Grove.
Pallbearers are his grandsons.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Brian Kelly, Scott Mathews, Kent Elkins, Donald Neal Williamson, Ken Fairchild, Toby Waters, Jeff Churchwell and Northeast Louisiana Power Co-op Board of Directors: Weldon Fitch, Chip Hixon, Ronald Pippin, Alton Welch, Steve Pylant, Thad Waters, Davin McMurry, and Justin Rials.