Paul Warman Strode, Jr., was born April 22, 1932, and passed away October 18, 2018. Visitation will be held at Forrest Funeral Home in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Saturday, October 20, 2018, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. A graveside service celebrating his life will follow the next day, Sunday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Rev. Ken Hester will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Raymond Strode, Joseph Strode, Nicholas Derrick, Brian Ammons, Brandon Martinez, Josh Alleman, and Taylor Dobbins.
Paul Warman Strode, Jr, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, attended Mississippi State College until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1952. After his service at Camp Gordon, Georgia, Paul returned home where he met and married the love of his life, Beverly Brown. He was musically talented and enjoyed playing with his band at local high school dances in the Mississippi Delta. Paul completed his education at Delta State College and received a Bachelor in Business Administration degree. He then embarked upon a rewarding hospital administration career. After several promotions, he relocated to Forest, MS, where Paul and his family made life-long friends and memories. Throughout Paul’s career, he was respected for his work ethic, integrity, and character. Paul chose Hattiesburg as his retirement community.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Rudell Brown Strode, parents, Ollie and Paul Warman Strode, son, Emerson Ray Strode, and daughter Paula Sue Derrick. He is survived by his beloved friend of 15 years, Millie Beatty; son, Raymond N. “Woody” Strode and his wife Trish, son, Paul W. “Chip” Strode III and his wife Lila and son-in-law, Tim Derrick; grandchildren, Lessie Ammons, Rachel Martinez, Nicholas Derrick, Raymond Strode, Joseph Strode, Katherine Alleman, and Layne Strode; great grandchildren Keygan and Kaiden Ammons, Macie and Beverly Kate Martinez, and Easton Derrick. Paul also leaves behind his sister, Rae “Toots” Hester and her husband, John and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Through all of his accomplishments, Paul’s greatest pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught his family how a father should love their mother. He felt that there was no other role more essential and eternal than that of husband, father, and grandfather.
The family requests memorials be made to the Collins Veterans Outreach, 17 Pritchett Lane, Collins, MS 39428.