I stood on the banks of Jordan one day my Lord to see the ship of Zion go by-An when I saw it I said, Lord I got my ticket, please don't leave me down here.

On April 28, 2020 Elroy Leroy Strand received his ticket. He inhaled one last time on earth and exhaled in Heaven.

Elroy was born on June 25th, 1945 in Muskogee to Charlie (Booker) and Essie (Thompson) Strand. Elroy received Christ and was a member of the "Dean Addition" neighborhood where he grew up with his siblings and cousins that he shared a special bond with. Elroy, who we all called "Papa" attend Douglas Elementary, Sadler Jr High and Historic Manual Training High. Elroy was raised by his older sister, Charlene and her husband Robert along with his other siblings after their mother passed .Elroy enjoyed his younger years living life and being "Deek". In 1966, Elroy was blessed with a beautiful baby girl and he named her Dorothy Elaine. Elaine was his heart beat and he had her spoiled rotten. In 1975, Elroy met his life partner Shirley Ann and became a bonus father to her four children. Later being blessed to raise five of his grandchildren as his own.

Elroy was a wonderful cook and he loved to feed and help others. He began working for Kay's Fine Foods for 31 years until they closed and then moved to Hill Top where he was the head chef until they closed down. Elroy later went to work for Trucks for You and eventually retiring from the Salvation Army here in Muskogee. Elroy was a giver and loved to help others. While working for the Salvation Army he was able to help so many people both by feeding them and or allowing them to stay with him and always lending a hand.

You could find Elroy sitting at his sister, Charlene's house, showing out with his brother's Tinky or LT and hanging with his first cousins and just hanging in his younger days. And playing catch, basketball and racing his great-grand kids in his later days. Giving his advice and tell you "what God Loves" and how life really works. His wisdom is something we all can carry with us for life.

Elroy was a big man with a big heart. He was a great provider, father, grandfather and papa. Elroy believed in serving others and would feed and care for anybody that crossed his path

Elroy was preceded on death by his parents, Charlie & Essie Strand; sisters: Charlene, Evelyn and Gwen; his brothers: William (Willie); David, (Lee-T) and Robert (Tinky); life partner, Shirley Ann; his son Darrell Jay and one granddaughter, Camellia McJunkins.

Those left to celebrate his life his daughters Elaine Evans, Texas, and Delores of the home; his sons- Dwayne B. of Muskogee and Derrick B. Minneapolis, MN; his niece who he loved and cherish like his own, Patricia Isom of Tulsa, his 5 grandchildren he raised: David B (Dallas, TX), Shemika B (Lewisville, TX), Chad B and wife Roxanna (Muskogee), Andreka and husband Virgil (Muskogee) and Tasha B. of the home. Daughter in law Phyllis B of Garland Texas. 14 other grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren his buddy Shy Willie and them 1st cousins Everett G, Cheryl C, Wayne T, Lawrence T, Fredrick T, Cathy E and Leonard T, one uncle Frank Gardenhire along with a host of other nieces, nephew relatives, cousins and friends.

The Strand family would like thanks St Francis Tulsa, Cornerstone Muskogee and Emerald Hospice for all that they have done for Mr. Strand during this time.

Mr. Strand's remains will be cremated and the family will share in a interment of his Ashes on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.