William Anthony Strong (Lansing)

William Anthony Strong departed this life in Lansing, Michigan on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the age of 33 years old. He was born Thursday, January 17, 1991, in Pontiac, Michigan. He is the oldest son of William Hulrit Strong and Gloria Michele Strong. 

Anthony was an excellent student who excelled at math! He amazed us when he did his homework because he made it look so easy. He was a fast learner and always willing to help his classmates if they asked him. He eagerly went to school most days because he enjoyed hanging with his friends, but just like any other child, he prayed for snow days in the winter so he could sleep in! At the time of his death, Anthony was a student at Lansing Community College. Throughout his younger years he participated in little league soccer, summer football, and basketball. As Anthony grew older, he found much pleasure in playing basketball against his brothers and father in the backyard on the basketball court that his father made. There were many competitive games that included loudly accusing each other of fouling and cheating, but always ending in laughter! Anthony loved to shop and would always convince his mother to buy him the latest fashion in Nike and Adidas. He also enjoyed being in the kitchen cooking with his mother who taught her three sons how to cook. When he got older, he learned even more complex dishes and at one point in his adult life, he even considered becoming a professional caterer. Throughout the years, some of the best times were when the family took vacations to Disney World, Washington, DC, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina (Myrtle Beach), and many other places, just to list a few. 

Anthony attended Union Missionary Baptist Church for many years and was baptized at an early age. He was active in the Youth Ministry as well as took pride in being an Usher. At the time of his death he was employed at Kamps Pallets, Inc. His biggest hobby that he thoroughly enjoyed in his later years and got his two oldest boys to participate in was boxing. Anthony won many boxing matches and took home many awards. He took great pride in getting his body prepared for fights. He had his body chiseled to perfection! He believed in eating healthy (of course having an occasional sweet treat was okay) and exercising. Anthony taught his children as well as many other people the importance of staying fit and healthy. He would always be happy to physically train someone if they asked. Anthony was loved by many.

Anthony always felt that his biggest accomplishments, and who he was most proud of, are his sons. Anthony loved his children dearly. He spoke to everyone about them and all the wonderful things they were doing. He encouraged his sons to participate in boxing and his oldest son loves to play basketball. Anthony attended his son’s matches and games, and you could hear him coaching from the sideline! Jaydyn and his brothers will ensure their father’s memory and legacy will live on.

Anthony leaves to cherish his memory, three sons, Jaydyn Anthony Strong, Jayceon Alamisi Strong, and Elijah Ali Strong; mother, Gloria Michele Strong; father, William (Desiree) Strong; two brothers, Jordan (Lia) Strong, and Michael Strong; many other relatives including special relatives, Thomas Brown and Barbara Skaggs and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Maudie L. Rogers, Lillie Mae Washington; grandfather, Willie G. Rogers, Sr.; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.