October 21, 2011       

FELTS MILLS, N.Y.  —  Walter B. Strong, 83, formerly of Burnash Avenue, died Thursday at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home, Watertown, where he had resided for the past six years.  

Born April 8, 1928 in Penrun, Pa., the son of Blair V. and Elsie Clawson Strong, he attended school in Pennsylvania graduating from Brush Valley High School. 

He married Betty A. Stringfellow on Aug. 7, 1948. Mrs. Strong died Sept. 2, 2010. 

Mr. Strong served in the Air Force from 1946 to 1971. He then worked as an insurance agent for Met Life until 1986 and the Commissary on Fort Drum until retiring in 1996. 

He was a founding member and Senior Deacon of New Hope Baptist Church in Watertown. 

He also belonged to Gideon's International, was an Eagle Scout and an avid Yankees fan. 

Surviving are a daughter and her husband, Barbara and Thomas Conley, Liverpool, N.Y.; two sons and their wives, Walter, Jr. and Cherry Strong, Edmond, Okla., Douglas and Mary Strong, Plattsburgh; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, his beloved church family and all his friends and staff at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home. 

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at New Hope Baptist Church, outer Arsenal Street, Rev Stan Gilcash officiating. Burial will follow in Black River Cemetery. There are no calling hours. 

Donations may be made in his honor to New Hope Baptist Church, Outer Arsenal St., Watertown, NY 13601. 

Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. 

Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com 







Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.