Richard Earl Strong was born on August 14, 1950 in Richton, Mississippi, along with his twin sister, Dian Strong Young. He was the twelfth of thirteen cherished children. He and his sister Dian were the last of three sets of twins born to the late Johnny Strong, Sr. and the late Pinkie Deanna Williams Strong. Their loving home of four boys and nine girls, was filled with abundance of love and joy. All of them thrived and sought to be the best in academics and athletics.

Richard was preceded in death by both parents; three brothers, Johnny Strong, Jr., Matthew Strong, Charles Strong, and four sisters, Hattie Lynel Bonner, Melva Jean Wright, Catherine McGee, and Patricia Hinton.

As a young boy, Richard was quiet, humble, and inquisitive. He loved his family and the church more than anything. At the early age of 13, he taught the Sunday School class of his peers at New Hope Missionary Church and remained in leadership roles as Superintendent of the Sunday School at 16, until he graduated from High School.

Richard was a proud and determined student at the Mattie Jones High School, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1968, and also served as Vice President of the class. While in High School, he was groomed to be an outstanding student in all areas of study, but enjoyed learning soliloquies and poetry of all types. He would often recite and read poetry throughout his life. He truly loved his teachers and developed a special bond with them.

In 1968, Richard entered Morehouse College along with two other members of his high school team. They played on the Morehouse Maroon Tigers team from 1969 through 1972. Richard was one of the outstanding players throughout his tenure there and they won several championships together.

Richard earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Morehouse College and completed further studies at Central Michigan University. Upon graduation, he worked for the Atlanta Transit System as a metro bus driver. He told stories of how the bus rolled down the street as he stopped to get something to eat, gave him a scare that ended that venture. Richard was then recruited and hired by General Motors Corporation in Pontiac, Michigan in 1973 as an Industrial Engineer, which afforded him a career of almost thirty-nine years. After retiring from GM, he became a full-time substitute teacher at Herrington Elementary in Pontiac, Michigan, where the second grade students excelled under his instruction. He was also the soccer coach at Mark Twain Elementary school. He served as a teacher assistant at Trinity Missionary Baptist.

In 1968, on the campus of Spelman College, where all the Morehouse men would spend time, Richard met the love of his life, Cheryl, who would be by his side continuously. He gave a love that would surpass no other; neither could go without the other. It was a love that God shined on. This being their 50th year of marriage, with a love that will forever be endless in their hearts, Richard and Cheryl became one on October12, 1974, Their family was significantly blessed by the birth of their two children, Tamara Gwenell Strong Williams and Richard David Strong.

Richard was a devoted Christian who was always a part of service and leadership. Richard and Cheryl became members of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, MI. He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, member of the choir and male Chorus. He led the search committee for a new pastor and was an ordained Deacon.

After moving diligently to North Carolina to help care for his beloved mother-in-law, who simply adored him, his health began to decline. He still would take walks with his wife, work around the year, as he loved being outside. He even could compete with the neighborhood basketball ballers.

During this last year, he was blessed with some of the most amazing caregivers that helped him to navigate throughout the days and nights. Without them, the challenges of each day would not have been conquered.

On April 8, 2024, while the world stood in awe to watch the solar eclipse, Richard's guardian angel decided they would need a precious soldier to join the band of glorious angels. He can now sing his solo "Yes, God is Real" and rejoice with all the angels in Glory!

Richard leaves to cherish his legacy and memories his loyal and faithful wife, Cheryl; his daddy's girl with enduring love, Tamara Gweneel Strong Williams (Raymon); granddaughters, Rayna Lanae and Aria Alyse of Breinigsville, PA; his devoted and caring son, Richard David Strong, Capitol Heights, Maryland; five admiring sisters, Annette Myers of Cleveland, OH, Callie McGee of Hattiesburg, MS, Barbie Conley of Paramount, CA, Marilyn Chambers of Hattiesburg, MS, his loving and compassionate twin, Dian Young of Cleveland Heights, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, and supportive friends.