Ronald Jeffrey Strahan

Ronald Jeffrey Strahan - SAVANNAH - Savannah native, Ronald Jeffrey Strahan, 61, died peacefully April 23, 2008, after a brief illness. Mr. Strahan was preceded in death by his parents, Nina Thompson Strahan and Jeffrey Travis Strahan. He was a graduate of Savannah Country Day School and Roanoke College, Roanoke, Virginia. Mr. Strahan served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in VietNam. A knowledgeable and respected art collector, Ron Strahan was an enthusiastic supporter and benefactor of the artistic community both in Savannah and in New York, New York. Among his many consulting projects, his work with the family of Savannah artist Christopher A. D. Murphy was dearest to him. Following the death of the artist in 1972, the Murphy family requested that Mr. Strahan assemble and curate Chris Murphy's body of work, and present it in the artist's studio and gallery on Perry Street in Savannah. This was a great service to the world of Southern art. At present, an extensive show of Christopher Murphy's work is on view at the Telfair Academy , an exhibition to which Mr. Strahan lent both his expertise and several works of art. Mr. Strahan was a generous benefactor of the Telfair, who donated numerous works to the museum's collection and served as a founding member of the Gari Melchers Collectors' Society. He was also a patron of many local artists, both established and emerging. Ron Strahan is survived by his brother, Weldon Travis Strahan, of Early Branch, SC; his sister-in-law, Odette Marie Strahan, his beloved Vizsla, Cody, and many loving friends. A private memorial service will be held. Remembrances may be sent to The Telfair Museum of Art, 121 Barnard Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401 attn: Ronald J. Strahan Art Acquisition Endowment Fund. Kindly specify: Gift For: R.J.S/A.A.E.F. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com . Savannah Morning News April 26, 2008 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .