Richard Otto Strong

Richard Otto Strong, age 78, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on December 16, 2024.

Richard spent his early years on the farm in various small towns throughout South Dakota. Richard’s career spanned a range of paths. He was a middle school science teacher in St Louis, Missouri. He was an executive in a temporary nursing agency (Medical Personnel Pool) in Atlanta, Georgia. Finally ending his career owning and operating a sign company (Custom Signs Today) with his partner, Scott Gove in Atlanta, Georgia. He was an accomplished piano player and loved animals.

Richard was born September 21, 1946 in Mitchell, South Dakota to the late Esther and Otto Strong. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Ruth Nebelsick, and brothers Clayton Strong and Warren Strong.

Survivors include his partner of 37 years, Scott Gove; sister, Miriam Strong, of Clarkesville: brother, Vernon Strong, of Streeter, IL; sister-in-law, Barb Strong, of Mitchell, SD; niece, Tamara Shipman (Chris), of Clarkesville; great niece/nephew, Alice and Emmett Shipman, of Clarkesville. Richard had numerous additional nieces and nephews.

Richard will be buried in a family plot in Spencer, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.