Mr. Theodore Roosevelt Strange Jr.

On Thursday, February 20, 1941, Theodore Roosevelt Strange, Jr. began his journey in Eden, NC. He is the third child born to Theodore R. Strange, Sr. and Anna Lee Hairston Strange. Young Theodore who was known for his affectionate disposition had one nickname that stuck, “Sunny Boy”. All that came in contact with him back then and until he was called home can attest to his sunny smile and positive attitude. He was educated in the Rockingham County School System in Eden, NC where at age fifteen he was so responsible the county asked him to drive a School Bus filled with his classmates to and from school and to other various events. He was also an accomplished Basketball Player at his high school Douglas High School, and he was an Amateur Boxer. He and his brothers worked many odd jobs to earn money, he would often reflect when he and his older brother Lawrence would paint Church Steeples as young men when the older men would not even dare to climb up with ropes and pulleys and paint the Church Steeples, he and his younger brother Robert would Caddy at the local Eden Country Club, and they would all prime tobacco in their extended families fields in nearby Pittsylvania County. He was a very talented writer and wrote many poems, some general and some poems were personally dedicated. He loved music, sang in his high school choir and his church choir as a youth at St Paul Baptist Church, Eden, NC. He started his Christian Journey at Saint Paul Baptist Church where his family were members. He was baptized in a traditional manner in the Creek at the Cascade Bridge in Cascade, VA. He was a faithful member at Saint Paul Baptist Church and was faithful at other churches throughout his life during his travels in the military. He was a very studious and methodical person, after he graduated from Douglas High School, he received an Academic Scholarship to attend Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, at Johnson C. Smith University he was hired as a Tutor in Mathematics and other general studies tutoring fellow students, and he worked at the local Car Wash. He is a “Life Member” of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, he pledged at Johnson C. Smith University’s Rho Chapter in 1960 as the number six Omega Man on his line. He was also the Rho Chapter Basileus (President) from 1960 – 1962. Theodore was a man that was concerned with the moral compass and participated in the February 9, 1960, Lunch Counter Sit In Demonstration at the Woolworth Department Store in Charlotte, NC along with many other inspired Johnson C. Smith University Students. Theodore graduated from Johnson C. Smith University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1962. His desire was to become an Educator after graduation; however, he was drafted into the United States Army where he was enlisted. He quickly gained rank of an E-5 Sargeant and was offered the opportunity to attend the Officer’s Candidate School which he attended and was later commissioned as a First Lieutenant. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and became a member of the Special Forces. He had many overseas tours while in the United States Army not limited to Panama, Germany, and two tours to Vietnam as a Special Forces Captain. He had many stateside tours at Fort Huachuca, AZ, Fort Eustis, VA, and his last tour was at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. In 1974 while still in the United States Army he earned his Master’s Degree in Information Systems from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. He retired from the United States Army in 1984 at the distinguished rank of Lieutenant Colonel with twenty-two years of military service having different roles with increasing responsibilities both in peace and in combat situations. He worked several different positions post his military career in the private and government sectors such as at General Electric Company as a Systems Engineer; at SEMA Incorporated as a Vice President of Marketing and Business Development; at Houston Associates Incorporated as a Vice President of Business Development; and at the United States Department of Education as a Computer Systems Analyst/Branch Chief. Theodore retired in 2001 and dedicated his time to family and church events; golfing; fishing; hunting; to the Omegas; Cruising/Vacationing; and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers - his favorite football team. In 1993, Ted was introduced to his wife Barbara by a co-worker (at the Department of Education, Carolyn Jackson who happened to be Barbara’s niece). From that introduction they continued to communicate with each other and dated for several years. In 1996 they married in Washington, DC at the home of Maurice and Barbara Bushrod. On November 8, 2025, Ted and Barbara would have celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary. Deacon Strange joined Shiloh Baptist Church, Lorton, on Sunday January 17,1996 and served faithfully in various ministries from that time to his passing. He served as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry for eight years. Also served as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry for two years. As Deacon of Shiloh, he served as Accountability Captain of Group C and currently as Deacon of Group D. He was also a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Council of Shiloh. He was also very active in many ministries of the church, Prime Timers (seniors), Adult Choir and Male Chorus, Adult Sunday School class, Men’s Ministry. Teaching Sunday School was one of his favorites – he taught the Adult class on the third Sunday of the month and would start preparing his lesson the beginning of the month, Over the years as a member of Shiloh he was very active in many ministries and was one you could depend on to do what he agreed to. He enjoyed participating in the Christmas plays, singing in the choirs and just being among his brothers and sisters at Shiloh. His family was very important to him, and he loved having them around him. He enjoyed sharing his experiences as a young man growing up in North Carolina and Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Anna Lee Strange, Sr., brothers Lawrence and Robert Strange. Theodore leaves to cherish his memory his current beloved wife Barbara Bushrod Strange, his three children Cecilia V. McQueen, Sonja Strange Jackson (Eric), and Theodore R. Strange, III (Dena). His sister Dr. Lucinda Strange Snead and ten grandchildren Natalia B. McQueen; Brian O. McQueen; Aubrey L. Brown, Jr.; Nicholas B. Brown, Jr.; Nalya L. Adamson (Darryl); Jordyn A. Strange; Nalida R. McQueen; Theodore R. Strange, IV; Eric Nasir Jackson; and Sheridyn J. Strange. He leaves nine great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and a plethora of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Mr. Theodore Roosevelt Strange Jr.

February 20, 1941 - October 13, 2025

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