William Thomas Strayer

William “Bill” Thomas Strayer, 84, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 26, 2016. William Strayer was born December 13, 1931, in Jacksonville, Florida, to George H. and Wilhelmina (Steffens) Strayer. He graduated Andrew Jackson High School in 1950. He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1953. On May 5, 1959 he married Kathryn Louise Shonkwiler in Jacksonville. He was employed by Eastern Airlines in 1958, and retired after 32 years with the company. He had a passion for being on the water, especially the local rivers, and as a young man built his first boat. He also loved aircraft, and highlights include an around-the-world trip in 1974, and flying in a vintage Eastern Airlines Ford Trimotor several years ago. He loved his grandchildren, and relished in their achievements.
A loving father and grandfather, Bill is survived by his three sons, William Timothy Strayer and his wife Carmen of Newton, MA, David Eugene Strayer and his wife Alicia of Jacksonville, FL, and Steffen Ard Strayer and his wife Martina of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Fiona; several nieces and nephews; and Kathryn Strayer. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Wilhelmina, and his six brothers. A Thanksgiving of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 1, at Naugle Funeral Home, 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida, 32207. The Reverend Linda Girouex will be officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Friends may call from 10:00 until 11:00 am, Saturday, at the funeral home. Those wishing to sign Bill’s guestbook may do so at www.nauglefuneral.com .
Memorials may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257, or www.communityhospice.com/donate
Arrangements by Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1203 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, FL (904) 396-1611