Theodore Beroud "Buddy" Strauss

Theodore Beroud "Buddy" Strauss Theodore Beroud "Buddy" Strauss, 84, died Sunday, August 23, 2009, at his home in Tallahassee after suffering a heart attack. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday, August 26, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. There will be a celebration of Buddy's life directly following at the family's home on Dogwood Hill. Bevis Funeral Home of Tallahassee (850-385-2193) is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town of North Florida, 3555 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Buddy Strauss was born in Tallahassee on June 18, 1925. He graduated from Leon High School, a three-sport letterman, and was later inducted in the Hall of Fame. After retiring from the Naval Air Corps following World War II, he played football at Duke University and then Florida State University. Playing both ways, he set two records, including one for most yards gained, which stood until 1977. FSU Head Coach Bobby Bowden once called Buddy, "the first football hero FSU ever had." While at FSU, Buddy met and married the love of his life, the former June Fouts. Buddy was a founder of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter and Seminole Boosters at FSU and was inducted into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1980. An early partner in the Southern Electric appliance business, Buddy later became the first real estate broker for Killearn Estates development. He left to become a commercial Realtor and developer. He built the Monticello Square and Mount Vernon office buildings on Thomasville Road before venturing into commercial warehouses. Over the years, Buddy served as president of both the Exchange Club of Tallahassee and Colonels Club and volunteered time with building committees for two Catholic churches (St. Thomas More and Good Shepherd). Buddy also generously contributed his time to help the Tree House shelter for abused and neglected children and Boy's Town of North Florida. Buddy and his wife June were named "Spirit of Youth" award winners for Boy's Town in 1998. Buddy is survived by his wife of 59 years, June Strauss; 6 children, Ted Strauss (Rhonda), Jeannine McGinn, Catherine Strauss (Bruce Bell), Leslie Redding (Charley), Patrick Strauss and Julie Bettinger (Jim); 14 grandchildren, Sally Bay Stewart (Graham), Theo Strauss, Morgan Strauss, Falina Harris, Matt McGinn, Brian McGinn, Lacey McGinn, Chas Galloway, Bud Galloway, Nicholas Bell, Sarah Jordan Redding, Alex Redding, Cody Strauss and Jackson Strauss; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Marguerite Cureton; and brother, Kent Strauss Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and June Strauss; his sister, Doris Mruz; and a grandson, Robby Redding.