It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Joseph Douglas Strong, 81, of Brookhaven, Mississippi who passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at his home. Joseph was born March 21, 1943 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Joseph William Strong and Elizabeth Maude Simmons Strong.

The family will accept visitors on January 31, 2025 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at Divide Methodist Protestant Church with a memorial service starting at 2:00 pm. Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 601-587-2573

Joe was a hard worker. He loved building things. He was so very proud to serve his country in the military. He was in the Army Green Beret Special Forces. His helicopter was shot down in Vietnam, and he was a prisoner of war for eighteen months. He was told he would never walk again, but he did. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his family very much. He also loved his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all.

Joseph (Joe) was preceded in death by his father, Joseph William Strong; mother, Elizabeth Maude Simmons Strong; brothers, Jimmy Alden Strong and David Strong; sisters, Elizabeth Strong, Sue Ann Strong, and Theresa Strong.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Louise Rutland Strong of Brookhaven, MS; son, James Alan Letchworth; daughter, Angela Letchworth; grandsons, Zachary Lee Letchworth (Megan), and Joseph Alan Letchworth; granddaughters, Mary Beth Howington, Lindsay Marie Perry, and Synthia Marie Letchworth; great grandsons, Axel Lee Letchworth and Grayson Howington; great granddaughters, AvaMarie Carmyne Rutland, Alakai Grace Lambert, and Paisley Jane Thompson.