William Clarence Strain Jr.

February 11, 1939 – December 8, 2025

William Clarence Strain, Jr., lovingly known as Bill, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Ann, with whom he loved and shared 64 years of marriage.

Bill is survived by his sister, Juanita Mable Domning, his brother, David Westerfield Strain, (Brenda), and his children: Angela Marie Douglass (“Angie”) and husband Pat, Joseph Alexander Strain (“Joe”) and wife Brenda, and Stephanie Strain Molloy and husband Steve. He was known to his nine grandchildren as Papa William and was blessed with three great-grandchildren. A treasured memory for his family was just before Thanksgiving, when his great-grandson John Martin Panfil, age seven, played Joy to the World on the piano for him - a fitting tribute to Bill’s lifelong love of music.

Growing up in Point Clear on the shores of Mobile Bay, Bill developed a passion for sailing that carried him through every stage of his life. He went on to graduate from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering before being commissioned into the United States Navy.

Bill enjoyed a successful 37-year career with Reynolds Metals Aluminum Company, culminating in overseeing projects in Europe and Canada. Yet no matter where life took him, the water was his true home. A sailor at heart, his greatest joy was sailing with Mary Ann on the Chesapeake Bay, to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Nova Scotia.

Bill was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where his faith and fellowship were an important part of his life. Above all, he was a loving father to his three children, remembered for the wisdom, guidance, and care he gave his family. His legacy of family, commitment, and love will live on in those who knew him best.

Visitation will be from 4 PM to 6 PM on Monday, December 15th, at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 North Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23229.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Gayton Road. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in loving memory of Bill.