Mr. Bobby Eugene Strong

Bobby Eugene Strong, a man of intellect, dedication, and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully at his home in Stockbridge, GA on November 23, 2023. Born to Annie Lavonia and Woodrow Strong in Covington, GA, Bobby's journey through life was marked by a curiosity for knowledge, a passion for learning, and a commitment to serving others. Bobby's spiritual journey began at an early age when he joined St. Paul AME Church in Covington where his mother was a member. He had an inquisitive nature manifested by his love for reading, a trait that defined his character from childhood. As a young student, he amazed those around him by reading the entire encyclopedia series at his school, setting the stage for a lifetime of intellectual pursuits. Graduating from Washington Street High School in 1953, Bobby's commitment to service led him to serve as a U. S. Air Force reservist during his junior and senior years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Fort Valley State College in 1958 where he became a lifelong member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also enlisted in the U. S. Army and served as an Artillery Surveyor from 1958-60. His educational journey continued at Atlanta University, where he pursued graduate studies while working as a Distribution Clerk at the United States Postal Service. In 1964, Bobby embarked on a distinguished forty-year career in the federal government, joining the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a Public Health Laboratory Technologist. While working at the CDC, he earned a Master of Science degree in Microbiology from Georgia State University in 1973, becoming one of the first African Americans to graduate from GA State's evening graduate program. At the CDC, Bobby’s area of focus was tuberculosis research. His work took him across the United States and to various foreign countries, where he taught medical microbiology. He also authored two training manuals, "Isolation and Identification of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis" and "Laboratory Methods in Medical Mycobacteriology." His intellectual pursuits continued as he engaged in advanced post-graduate microbiology studies at Howard University and Atlanta University. Bobby also embraced the technological era, taking computer technology courses, obtaining an amateur radio operator license, and utilizing his knowledge to join the Information Technology staff at the CDC in later years. In 1964, Bobby married Dr. Velma G. Strong, Ed. D at Liberty Baptist Church, and from this union they had one daughter, Barbara. After Velma's passing in 1992, Bobby became a member of Liberty Baptist Church, later serving as a Deacon and Treasurer. In 1997, he married Dr. Versie Slay, MD and became stepfather to her son, Robert. As a family, they continued to enjoy the worship services and events at Liberty Baptist Church. In his retirement, Bobby found solace at his Stockbridge home, relishing the joys of family, church, Western movies, and Bible studies. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the example of a life well-lived. Bobby E. Strong is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Versie Slay, MD, daughter Barbara E. Strong, Augusta, GA, stepson Robert Solomon, II, two sisters Anita Louise Strong, San Francisco, CA and Davidlyn P. Strong, Covington, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who will forever cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Bobby's honor. https://vimeo.com/event/3917142

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Mr. Bobby Eugene Strong

April 8, 1935 - November 23, 2023