Robert George Strong

Longtime San Antonio resident Robert George Strong "Bob" died October 14, 2005, during a short hospitalization in Houston following a stroke. Family and friends' cherished memories of Bob's optimism, laughter and love—and his bright blue eyes—will long live on. He was 86.

Robert was born April 4, 1919, in Pittsburgh, Pa., the third of George and Letitia Calhoun Strong's five children. After graduation from Allderdice High School, he was lured from a job with Pittsburgh steel company Jones & Laughlin by Navy service during World War II.

He served in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Vixen, on Russell Island and in the Solomon Islands, as well as at several U.S. postings along the Atlantic seaboard and elsewhere. Upon his honorable discharge, he was awarded a citation for meritorious performance of duty during service with the Flag Complement of the Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet.

At war's close, a position with the newly formed Slick Airways freight line drew Strong to San Antonio from his lifelong home in Pittsburgh.

Also soon joining the staff was advertising artist Bernice Rhoades, who became his wife of more than 40 years until her death in 1991. The young family moved to Dallas then briefly to Los Angeles before returning to San Antonio and settling into the house he was to call home for four decades. He was a member of Pilgrim Presbyterian Church.

Bob and Bernice Strong raised two daughters, Nancy Letitia "Tish" and Sara "Sally".

Most of Strong's career was in the floral supply industry with Delta Greens, the company he founded in 1962. With wit and sales skills, he nurtured a network of friends and customers around the country, and beyond, as he imported floral plants from Mexico and Central America for distribution to florist's suppliers throughout the United States.

He shifted his career in late 1970s to machine shorthand reporting, expanding skills he learned during his Navy days in World War II. Delta Reporting, his court-reporting company, covered cases in many legal fields, most often for bankruptcy courts of Bexar County. The Pro Bono Law Project honored his help in bringing legal services to people in need.

Through the professional interests of his wife, artist and historian Bernice Rhoades Strong, he became active in efforts to honor local history sites, especially the Alamo.

Retirement brought new friends among early morning walkers in Central Park Mall and North Star Mall; renewed interests in local political campaigns; and more time to cheer the Spurs, Pittsburgh Steelers and other sports favorites.

Health challenges, starting with a dramatic cardiac arrest in summer 2000, followed by several strokes over the following years, prompted changes in residence, first to San Francisco then to Houston.

Bob Strong is preceded in death by his wife Bernice Rhoades Strong; parents George and Letitia Strong; sister Esther Strong Pickard; and brothers in law Lee Roy Scott "Scotty", Richard Harm and Forrest Rhoades Jr.

He is survived by daughter and son in law Nancy "Tish" and Milan Momirov and grandson Alexander Momirov of San Francisco; daughter Sara "Sally" of Houston; sister Dorothy Strong Harm of Pittsburgh; sister Luella Strong of Houston; brother and sister in law Tom and Joyce Strong of Pittsburgh; sister in law Etna Rhoades Scott of San Antonio; and brother in law Eldred Rhoades and wife Margie of Sallisaw, Okla.

He also is remembered by scores of other family members and dear friends who shared the joy of many good times over the years, and occasionally bolstered one another through life's few tough times.

The family greeted visitors Friday, Oct. 21, at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough in San Antonio.

Funeral services and burial were held Saturday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway in San Antonio with the Rev. Leslie E. Ellison officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Milan Momirov, Alex Momirov, Tom Strong, Wesley Pickard, Paul Pickard, Eldred Rhoades, Jimmie Hernandez and Howard Herndon.

Celebrations of his life will follow at later dates in Houston and San Francisco.

TO OUR FATHER, BROTHER, NEIGHBOR and FRIEND Robert Strong: We already miss you. We wish you Godspeed on your journey.