Walter G. Strange, Jr.
August 24, 1931 ~ September 7, 2019
Walter Griggs Strange, Jr, 88, of Carthage, died peacefully in his home Saturday, September 7, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was born August 24, 1931 to Walter Griggs Strange, Sr. and Clarice Edwards Strange in Virginia Beach, Va.
Walter attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and served in the US Army, rising to the rank of Captain. After resigning his commission he worked as a farrier and blacksmith in Moore County and surrounding counties and states.
Walter was a talented artist and award winning bird carver, competing in shows up and down the east coast. He won, among other awards, First in Show for decorative life-size wildfowl at the 20th Annual Mid-Atlantic Wildfowl Festival.
Walter was a faithful member of Yates Thagard Baptist Church, and especially enjoyed his friends in the “Sunday night kitchen group”.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Natalie F. Strange, two daughters, Gwin Joyner (Michael) of Ayden, NC and Shelly Johnson (Steve) of West End, NC, all of whom were by his bedside during his last days. Also surviving is his sister, Elizabeth Jo Collins of Raleigh, NC, and grandchildren Kaitlyn Johnson, Chase Johnson, Ashland Korn (Patrick), Hayley Joyner, and Philip Joyner.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 2 pm at Yates Thagard Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to The Foundation at First Health, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374, or Yates Thagard Baptist Church 3820 Vass Carthage Road, Carthage, NC 28327.
Arrangements handled by Fry & Pricket Funeral Home.
Natalie and Family,
Butch and I are so very sorry to hear about Walter. We will miss seeing him at church. He was such a kind man with a funny sense of humor! He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. May the peace beyond understanding bless you with memories of comfort and love.