Benny was born to Howard and Norma Strong of the Fairview community on June 20, 1950. He passed away peacefully at the Colonel Robert L. Howard Veterans Home in Pell City on July 11, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters – Earnestine Strong, Jan(Bob)Moody, and Anita(Danny)Holmes, and grandsons Colby Strong and Kurtis Jones.
He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, son Mark Strong, bonus daughter Lydia(Eli)Screws, stepson Josh(Ashley)Simmons, grandchildren Aidan, Mackenzie, Eli, Isaiah, Elita, Jesse, Evelyn, Hazelyn, and Dawson, and numerous nephews and nieces.
He was a proud Marine who enlisted at the age of 17, serving his country in combat in Vietnam. At one point he was the youngest Marine in Vietnam for which he received a helicopter ride from the front lines in his dirty fatigues to a ceremony in DaNang honoring the youngest and oldest Marine. He helped cut the cake with a sword and had pictures taken before being flown back to the front lines. He survived one of the deadliest weeks in the Vietnam War, during which he saw three of his best friends killed in one operation. He carried this with him for the rest of his life.
He retired from Cullman Products after 40 years and was well known for being a prankster at work and making everyone laugh. He was also a reserve officer for Cullman County Sheriff’s Office for many years. He lived on his same land in Fairview his entire adult life in the house he and his father built.
Benny was a good friend and neighbor, beloved by all who knew him.. He was known for his quick smile, easy laugh, twinkle in his eye, great sense of humor and his artistic talent in many mediums. He was a loving husband, father, pawpaw, brother, and uncle. He loved animals, nature, the outdoors, camping, gardening, flowers, bird watching, bird calling, Alabama football, laughter, his community, their dog Lassie-his faithful companion for 16 years, and most of all his family.
His ashes will be placed in the Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium with military honors at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at Antioch Baptist Church in Fairview on July 26 at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Benny’s name to the Cullman Caring for Kids Food Bank, 402 Arnold Street NE #W1 Cullman, AL 35055 or to the Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
