Henry Augustus Strong

Henry Strong

Of Wake Forest, NC

Henry Augustus Strong, 76, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away on June 22, 2025, surrounded by love. Henry was born on July 16, 1948, in Deposit, NY, to the late Harold Elscort Strong and Ruth VanSchoyk Scott Strong. Henry spent his early years in Deposit before moving to Hornell, NY. He graduated from Hornell High School in 1966 and pursued college coursework before enlisting in the U.S. Army on March 6, 1968. Henry bravely served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, completing his reserve status in October 1970. His service was recognized with numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the prestigious Bronze Star.

Henry had a passion for broadcasting, managing WENE 1430 AM and WMRV 105.7 FM radio stations in Binghamton, NY, under Merv Griffin's leadership. In 1989, he relocated to Raleigh, NC, to continue his career in radio station management. Later, he pursued another passion by establishing a successful travel agency with offices in Wake Forest and Raleigh. Henry loved exploring the world, often sharing unforgettable journeys with his family and friends. He found solace and joy at his cottages on Oquaga Lake in Deposit, NY, and Bass Lake in Ontario, Canada.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Marlene J. Strong; his three sons, Daniel Strong (Robyn) of Knightdale, NC, Brian Strong (Jennifer) of Wake Forest, NC, and Heath Strong Saviengvong (Champanine "Nin") of Massachusetts. He also leaves behind his siblings, Dale Smith (AJay) of Deposit, NY, and Cornelius "Neil" Strong (Sharon) of Sugar Hill, GA. His legacy extends to his six grandchildren: Lucas, Eliza, Brayden, Peyton, Quintin, and Harper.

Additionally, Henry is survived by stepson Michael Gott and step-grandchildren Chelsey Pherson (Brett), Ashley Eckert (Dylan), and Demi Gott, along with step-great-grandchildren Conner, Owen and Natalie Pherson and Mason Eckert. He is also remembered by stepchildren Annette Pantall, Philip Pantall, and Cheryl Pantall; step-grandchildren Ashley Stevens (Ryan) and Brandie Fannin; and step-great-grandchildren Alexander and Eliana Gray, Everleigh, Rowan, and Fia Stevens and Ronan Margaglio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ruth Strong, and his stepmother, Helen Oliver Strong; his wife, Linda Andresen Gott Strong; his siblings, H. Scott Strong, Janice Monroe, Helen "Billie" Smith, Ruthe Kuhn, and Robert Strong; his stepchild, Mark Gott; and his nephew and niece, Jim Eggleston and Heather Strong.

Henry grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. As the youngest of eight children, he shared his childhood with cousins, nieces, and nephews, fostering strong bonds that lasted a lifetime. His children were among the youngest of 20 grandchildren of Harold and Ruth Strong, and he continued the tradition of family gatherings by organizing reunions, including a memorable one in August 2016 that brought 80 relatives together at Jordan Lake. One of his most cherished moments was his wedding to Marlene on April 30, 2022, attended by many loved ones.

Henry is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Diana Monroe (Robert Zandt), Robert Monroe (Heather), Wayne Smith (Deborah), Janice Mapes (Rick), Susan Strong-Makula, Jerry Eggleston, Judy Brundege (Jerry), John Eggleston, Bruce Strong (Connie), David Smith, JaDiene DeCarmine (Bill), Scott Smith (Nicole), Donald Strong (Amanda), Jeanne Reed (Roger), and Robert Strong.

A faithful member of Woodland Baptist Church in Wake Forest, NC. Henry's life will be honored with a funeral service at Woodland Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 4 pm. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service from 3-4pm. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Anthony Cemetery, North Sanford, NY at 11am.

Henry was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. His kindness, humor, and love touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed.

Memorial donations in Henry's name can be donated to: Transitions LifeCare, 203 Hospice Circle, Raleigh NC 27607.