Jimmy Carl Strahan

August 2, 2011, Jimmy C. Strahan, 63, departed his earthly home from a strong battle with cancer. On October 21, 1947 in Wiergate, Texas to the proud parents of Cornelius and Lessie Strahan, this male child was born --- strong and healthy, and proved which to be his truest and most genuine qualities.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at Holiday Hills Baptist Church, 5309 Capitol, Abilene. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday in Texas State Veterans Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. The family will receive friends at a visitation/prayer service 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

The family moved to Abilene, Texas where Jimmy attended and graduated from Woodson High School where he lettered in both football and basketball. During his teen years, Jimmy was already about his business of lifeguarding as he served his community by being the lifeguard at both Carver and Stevenson Recreation swimming pools. After completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completed his boot camp and training in Camp Pendleton, California, and soon was departed off to defend our country's interest in the Vietnam War. During his tour of duty as Lance Corporal, Jimmy was wounded several times and received one of the oldest medals given by the United States Military forces; he received the Purple Heart and the Gold Star in lieu of 2nd and 3rd Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation with ribbon bar, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross Color, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Devices. After receiving his honorable discharge from the military, Jimmy moved to Fort Worth, Texas where he completed four years of college, Tarrant County Community College, before returning to Abilene where he worked at various locations, Bob Bailey's Construction Company, G.C. Conn's, and General Dynamics, before retiring from the Abilene Branch of the United States Postal Services, totaling twenty-three years of service with the United States government.

Jimmy married his beloved wife, Anita Villanueva Strahan, December 31, 1993. He shared a love with her for the outdoors. His favorite hobbies were fishing, and as well as, his craftsmanship capabilities with masonry work, landscaping and tree planting-extreme handy work which was always unique, detailed, and duly noted. Jimmy had a very positive and happy attitude and a marvelous love for his family. He always carried the status of being the protector. Jimmy strived to make sure the business aspect of life was handled, the understanding of accuracy of accounting practices, and insurance maintenance was of the upmost importance of ways to ensure and care for the future life of his beloved family.

He was preceded in passing by his son, Timmy Baldwin; his parents, Cornelius and Lessie Strahan White; sisters, Jessie Matthews, and Susanne and Rose Virginia Garrett.

Jimmy now leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife, Anita, of Abilene; three sons, Terrence Neal, Vincent, and Jimmy Strahan, Jr., all of Abilene; step-son, James Villanueva of Sweetwater, Texas; five daughters, Monique Green of Sweetwater, Texas, Pamela Moody of Los Angeles, California, and Chrissy S. Marrow, Moni S. Jones, and Me'Chelle S. Sanders, all of Dallas; three brothers, Hersie, Roy, and Johnny Strahan, all of Abilene; three sisters, Mary E. Johnson and Alice M. Garrett, both of Abilene, and Mary C. Strahan of Houston, Texas; and numerous grandchildren, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters-in-laws, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.