Gerald “Gary” Strong

MATTOON – Gerald Wayne “Gary” Strong, 86, of Mattoon, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Willow Breeze Hospice House, with family at his side.

The Memorial Service honoring his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Harper-Swickard Funeral Home, with David Zimmerman honoring Gary with a special prayer. Memorials in his honor may be made to: Willow Breeze Hospice House.

Gary was born January 31, 1940 at Charleston, son of James and Helen (Weaver) Strong. He married Nancy Renee Benoit, October 7, 1965 at Mattoon; she survives. Also surviving are their children, Tracy Strong Solomon and Chris (Steve) Cottet; sister, Wanda Baker; grandchildren, Dr. Lacey (Andrew) Zimmerman, Jeh Hanni Strong, ShaiLynn Strong, Erin (Michael) Van Deursen, Haley (Cody) Harley; great-grandchildren, Ellis Zimmerman, Kate and Luke Van Deursen, and Addison Harley; and a life-long friend, Bill Ehrhart and wife Pat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Troy Strong, and three brothers, James Strong, Roy Strong, Joe Strong.

Gary was a U.S. Army Veteran, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. He had worked in a number of professions, including driving a truck for Yellow Freight and Gordon Transportation for more than twenty years. In later years, he had done home remodeling and home inspections, and he had always loved working around the farm. Gary was a man of few words. He would rather show you that he loved you, rather than say it.