Robert Strong Sr.

Robert H. Strong Sr. of Rock Hall, MD died on May 26, 2004 at Chester River Hospital Center in Chestertown, Maryland. He was 82. Born in Kent County, Maryland on October 21, 1921, he was the son of the late James Edgar and Hester Long Strong. He was a graduate of Rock Hall High School Class of 1939 and he then graduated from Pilot Training with the U.S. Navy in 1943 as a Naval Aviator. He married Mildred Neale Willson in January of 1943. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Pilot during WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945. Returning to Kent County, he owned and operated a produce distribution company. He purchased Rock Hall Lumber Company in 1954, Chestertown Lumber Company in 1964, and Kent Island Lumber Company in 1975. During this time he also worked as a self-employed farmer. Following his retirement in 1986, he operated the family farm, overseeing operations and managing the various hunting clubs. He was a member of the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post #228 in Rock Hall, served as chairman of the board of Maryland National Bank. He also served as chairman of the board for the Chesapeake Bank and Trust from 1986 to 1992. He served on the Kent and Queen Anne’s Hospital Board of Directors, and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Chester River Yacht and Country Club and Rock Hall Yacht Club where he was an accomplished sailor winning many races in his Thistle, the “Gail C”. He enjoyed waterfowl hunting, golfing, and sports. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gail Strong Romain and Julia Ringgold Strong Lewis, both of Oxford, MD, Carroll Strong Walbert of Naples, FL, James Ringgold Strong of St. Louis, MO, Robert H. Strong, Jr. and Ernest Willson “Tot” Strong, both of Rock Hall, and Rose Marie Strong Epperson of Lynchburg, VA; a brother, Joseph W. Strong of Chestertown, MD; 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Two siblings predeceased him, James Edgar Strong Jr. and Rose Virginia Strong Sparks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at St John’s Catholic Church in Rock Hall, MD where relatives and friends may call one hour prior to the service (10:00-11:00). Interment will follow the mass at the family’s cemetery at Trumpington, Eastern Neck Island, Rock Hall. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church, 508 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 or the Rock Hall Vol. Fire Department, PO Box 577, Rock Hall, MD 21661. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P. A.,Chestertown, Maryland.