July 6, 1958-Jan. 4, 2023
Gregory Keith Strong, our loving dad, grandpa, son, brother and uncle, passed away on Jan. 4, 2023.
He was born on July 6, 1958, to Keith and JoAnn Jameson Strong in Honolulu, Hawaii, while his father was in field training there. Greg’s father’s plane was lost in a training exercise in Japan when he was 6 months old. As a result, Greg grew up in Provo, Utah.
He, his mom and sister Kelly were a little trio for many years. They enjoyed summer trips to California where they spent their entire summers every year with their father’s relatives. This is where his love for the San Francisco 49ers was born.
Greg graduated from Jordan High School in 1977. He married Gerlinda Williams in 1984. Even though his marriage to Gerlinda didn’t last, his love for his three children never wavered. He loved to attend all of their dance performances and sports games and everything in between.
The love Greg had for his children was great. The love he had for his grandchildren was greater. He loved to simply bask in their presence and live in the moment surrounded by them. He most enjoyed watching everyone play, run, sing, yell, fight and laugh. His kids and grandkids are what got him through each day. He was so proud of them all and used every opportunity to brag about them. Everyone he talked to knew of his love and adoration for them.
In his 20s, Greg was diagnosed with epilepsy. Due to complications with it over the years, he had to stop driving and suffered partial paralysis on his right side. Though tragic and as tough as that was, what became of it was his love of walking. In the years since, he has easily walked thousands of miles in the rain, snow or extreme heat. He completed many 5 and 10Ks and a half marathon. His daily walks were a part of many people’s daily commutes. In 2022, he walked nearly 900 miles. His physical limitation did not keep him down. He was a great example of resilience.
His mission recently was taking the bus and then walking miles to spend time with his ailing mother who lives in a local care center. The devotion he had to be with his mother was apparent through his weekly visits. The time he spent with her during the last months of his life is precious.
As hard as his death is, the knowledge we have of his reunion with his dad he never met gives us solace. We know Greg was welcomed with loving arms by our loving Savior. We also take solace in knowing he is finally at peace. His suffering was long, and at times arduous. The peace he has now is something we are all eternally grateful for.
He is preceded in death by his dad Keith Leroy Strong. He is survived by his mom JoAnn Butler; his children Emily (Randy) Roundy, Katie (Robby) Welling and Nicholas (Amber) Strong; three granddaughters and six grandsons; his sister Kelly (Roy) Thacker and nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Bloomington Hills 6th Ward chapel located at 750 East Fort Pierce Drive, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared on the McMillan Mortuary website.