William "Bill" S. Strong

William "Bill" Sidney Strong, 63, of Williamsburg, Michigan passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at his home. Bill was born on August 27, 1956 in Royal Oak, Michigan to the late Edward and Joanne (Paton) Strong. He married the love of his life, Marie Sheldon, on August 23, 1980 in Ludington. Bill served his country in the U. S. Coast Guard from 1974 to 1978 and then again from 1983 to 2002. Over the course of his Coast Guard career he was stationed in, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, Oregon, and Washington D.C. In addition, 27 years ago, on June 14, 1992, Bill became a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. After retiring from the USCG Bill moved to Traverse City, where he became a teacher. He was employed by GTACS from 2003 to 2017. He taught English and Religion at St. Francis High School. While at St. Francis Bill started the Stewards of Creation, a student program that enabled students to find balance in their lives through exposure to and reverencing Gods presence in nature. The group made an annual trip to the Companions of Christ the Lamb Retreat Center, located in the U.P., where they performed fall clean up duties. Bill was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He was only truly at home on the water, where he enjoyed boating and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking, reading, archery, hunting, and camping with his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Marie, his son, Nicholas (Jessica) Strong of Clarksville, TN, and his daughter, Elena (Jeremy) Barnby of Lawton, OK and six grandchildren; Cara, Connor and Cole Strong, Emma, Daniel and Hannah Barnby. Also surviving are his brother, Michael (Nena) Strong of Mishawaka, IN and his sister, Nancy (Rev. David) Pike of Lansing, MI, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends are welcome to visit with Bill's family from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. Rosary, on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690.

A Mass of Christian burial honoring Bill will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday October 12, 2019 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Raymond Cotter and Rev. Fr. Jack Fabian will co-officiate. Burial will be at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.

Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Coast Guard.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Companions of Christ the Lamb, P. O. Box 12, Paradise, MI 49768.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bill's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services