Tommy Strader

William Thomas “Tommy” Strader,Jr ,76, of Ringgold, Va. was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 23, 2017, after a sudden decline in health. He was born on April 28, 1940, a son of Ruth Gillie Strader and William Thomas Strader, Sr. , both deceased. He had three brothers, Henry Eugene Strader, James Cleo Strader, and Walter Wayne Strader all who preceded him in death. He moved from Rockingham County, NC at age 6 months and lived in Pittsylvania County, VA for the remainder of his life. He graduated from Dan River High School in 1959. After high school graduation, he worked for Howard Campbell Construction, later earning a Journeyman Plumber's Certificate through apprenticeship at TC Dameron Heating and Plumbing in 1961. Tommy served in the United States Army from 1963-1965 as a PFC. His boot camp was at Fort Jackson, SC and then he was transferred to Fort Knox, Kentucky for Armored/Tank training. He completed his service at Anchorage, Alaska. He continued working at T.C. Dameron until 1971. His 30 year career at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company began in 1972, where he worked in the Maintenance Department as a Pipe Fitter and he retired in 2002. Tommy started Strader Landscaping Service in 1988. Many places in the area have been touched by his expertise in landscaping. He always took pride in his work and always strove for perfection. He was a member of Ringgold Baptist Church in Ringgold, VA where he served as Deacon, choir member, member of the Pastor Search Committee, Handi-man Team, and Building and Grounds Committee. Some of his favorite pastimes included visiting with family and friends, working on his tractor plus building and working in his shops, building birdhouses, yard work, small construction and home improvement projects, and watching Westerns on T.V. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Kellison Robertson Strader, whom he married on July 9, 2011, after 20 years of courtship. Also surviving are his two daughters, Teresa Kayla Herndon (Ron), Cindy Jean Stevens, and stepson, David Brooks Robertson (Jenny); five grandchildren, Joshua R. Stevens (Josie), Nicholas A. Herndon, Kayla A. Herndon, Noah B. Herndon and Stella R. Robertson. Tommy will always be remembered as a loving, faithful Husband, Father, and “Papa”. The family would like to extend appreciation to the members of Ringgold Baptist Church for their prayers and loving support the doctors and nursing staff on the 5th floor and ICU of Danville Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Ringgold Baptist Church by Pastor Duane Caldwell. Visitation will be held at Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 7:00-8:30pm. At other times family will be at the residence. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Ringgold Baptist Church. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is respectfully serving the Strader Family.

Tommy Strader

April 28, 1920 - February 23, 2017