Cecil Strong, Sr., age 78, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, September 7, at 11 a.m. at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Interment followed at St. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church cemetery.
Cecil was born and raised December 28, 1945, in Tift County, to the late Grant Strong, Sr. and Brightie Strong. After graduating from Matt Wilson High School, he attended Savannah State College where he majored in Biology with a Chemistry major and received his bachelor’s degree in 1968. Cecil’s master’s degree was confirmed jointly with Savannah State College and Armstrong State College in 1975. He furthered his educational studies at Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia. While at Savannah State College, Cecil met the love of his life, Roberta Billups, and they were joined in holy matrimony on August 8, 1971. His work experience began in Tift County at Matt Wilson High School where he taught math, science and health, and coached baseball during his tenure there from 1968-69. After one year of teaching, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969, at Ft. Gordon and in Germany, serving 22 years in the Army and Air National Guard. In 1971, in conjunction with his military career, Cecil became a biology teacher at Swainsboro High School. There, he served as the Science Department Chair for 18 years, and after dedicated service, having received accolades as Teacher of the Year, he retired in 1999. Cecil continued to be an active member of the community and held lifetime memberships with the Georgia High School Association, National Association of Educators and the Georgia Association of Educators. He also served as a past president of the Emanuel Association of Educators. Cecil also served as Chairman of the Credential Committee of the Georgia Association of Educators. Mr. Strong is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Kurt, Andrew, Grant, Jr., Clinton, Sellers and Ed; and four sisters, Lessie Mae, Classola, Marie and Ruby Jean.
Mr. Strong leaves to cherish his memories with his loving wife of 53 years; sons, Dr. Cecil (Dr. Sonya) Strong II and Dr. LaKeshia Strong; five grandchildren, Davin (China) Powell, Dasmin Sky (David) Spanio Ramos, Chyra, Coei and Christian Strong; one great-grandchild, Oaklynn Powell; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jogresan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
