Gourley “Buck” Strong, 82, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on July 22, 2026 in Tupelo, MS. He was born on July 2, 1944 to the late George Elbert and Maranda Sue (White) Strong in Breathitt County, Whick, Kentucky. His family moved to Indiana when Buck was 4 and lived there until 8 years ago, when he and his family moved to Booneville, MS.
Buck was a carpenter for 56 years. Throughout his career, he built hundreds of homes and businesses. At 82, he was still climbing on roofs. He met the love of his life, his late wife, Lillian “Suzie” in 1970 at the Big Donut in Indianapolis, Indiana. They were together for 56 years.
He was a member of God’s Church Worship Center. He loved working at the church and would go there to just sit and pray. Buck felt at peace, just praying and talking things out with the Lord in the quietness alone.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Suzie Strong; siblings, Blaine Strong (Cheryl), Gilbert Strong, Paul “Linard” Strong, Retha Strong, and Jack Strong; and brother-in-law, Gilbert Whitaker.
Buck is survived by his sons, LeeRoy Strong (Ellie) and Edward Strong; granddaughter, Starla Strong and one on the way; sisters, Dorothy Whitaker, Bonita Strong; a special niece, Wilma Mills; sister-in-law, Charlene Strong; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at God’s Church Worship Center.
Online condolences can be left at memorialcorinth.com for the Strong family.
Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
