Tom Mack Strong

Tom Mack Strong, affectionately known as Daddy Mack, 83, of Henderson, Texas, passed away on June 20th, 2011. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Crawford Crim Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011, with Rev. Lynn Loe of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Strong Cemetery located in the Churchhill Community. Tom Mack Strong the son of Lonnie and Eddie Ballenger Strong was born on January 28th, 1928, in Rusk County, Texas. John Cecil Strong and Virginia Strong Nelson were his siblings. He attended school in Henderson, Texas and also attended Kilgore Junior College prior to joining the United States Army. He served his country for two years during the Korean Conflict. Tom Mack Strong was a man who possessed a genuine humility and a natural dignity. He was the quintessential strong and silent type. Mack worked in oilfield supply for forty plus years up until his retirement and was respected and loved by all who knew him. To his family he is compared to a shade giving tree in a dry and thirsty land, or as a sheltering rock in a storm. A tranquil heart, a sweet tempered and balanced disposition, he possessed. He was a man adored by all of his family. A hero to his son and daughter. A role model for his grandsons and great grandson. Mack was a gentle man who all children and pets loved to be near. He adored his family. Vivian Virginia Strong affectionately known as Mama Ginger has been his wife for sixty three years. His children are Terry Mack Strong and Glenda Strong Nelson. His grandsons are Jeffrey Paul Nelson, Nickolas Jace Nelson, Terry Tyson Strong, Trevor Tate Strong and great grandson, Jace Jayden Nelson. Daddy Mack stated numerous times that the most enjoyable and special times of his life were the days spent with his grandsons when they were young boys all playing together at his house. Then along came the great grandson, Jace, not to replace the grandsons, but to claim a part of “Daddy Mack” for himself, and that he did. Mack took great pride in himself and his family. His clothes were always ironed and starched and his shoes and boots always looked to have been recently shined, even at the end of a long day at work. Mack always kept a perfectly detailed car and truck and especially a well groomed lawn. Mack finally received “Yard of the Month” several years ago, which, frankly, was long over-due because throughout the years his lawn could have continuously won the award. Mack’s favorite sports were basketball, football and baseball and he loved to talk about sports and watch games with his family and friends. The Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, and the Rangers were his favorites. His grandsons loved playing basketball with him every chance they got. He taught them his unique style of shooting the basketball in the goal. When Terry was growing up Mack idolized him and his athletic ability and always helped Terry and his friends with playing baseball and also helped Terry’s coaches during every baseball game throughout the years. He was always one of the dependable dads that continuously kept the fields mowed and in shape for games. Mack attended St. Paul’s Methodist Church and made many friends there throughout the years. He also has many long time friends that he worked with from Bell Oil Field Supply, American Oil Field Supply both located in Kilgore, Texas, and many longtime friends from the Brown and Root Construction days located in Louisiana many years ago. Tom Mack Strong was preceded in death by his parents, sister and grandson, Christopher Strong. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, his children, grandsons, great grandson, his brother, sister in law, Louise Walker, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his church family. Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Paul Nelson, Nickolas Jace Nelson, Terry Tyson Strong, Trevor Tate Strong, Steven Roy Walker and Kit Laird. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Smith, Bob Bryant, Mike Rogers and Bill Hughes. Condolences may be made online at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Tom Mack Strong

January 28, 1928 - June 20, 2011