Andrew James Strong

A loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, was born to Jesse McClung and Nettie B. Strong, June 15, 1954 in Itta Bena, Mississippi.  Andrew peacefully passed away at his home in Rantoul, IL January 23, 2023.

He was proceeded in death by his father Jesse McClung, his mother Nettie B. McKinney and stepfather Lee McKinney.  Hi brothers Archie Strong, Eddie McKinney, and James Earl McClung and his grandparents Charlie and Flizella Strong, as well as John and Rilla McKinney.

Andrew better known as James, graduated from Leflore High School in Itta Bena, Mississippi and joined the navy right after.  After being discharged he moved to Chicago, Illinois where he later met his wife Regina Burns. They were united in holy matrimony on June 15th, 1977.  Following their union were a set of twins Andre and Andrea.

Andrew accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined New Home Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C.T. Thorton in Itta Bena, Mississippi. He later joined New Life Baptist Church and their men’s choir under the leadership of the late Pastor Scott in Rantoul, Illinois.

James loved singing and spending time with his family and friends. He had the singing voice that would touch souls.  Andrew really loved spending time with his grandkids, that’s when he was most happy.  He had a heart of gold and one of the most unforgettable laughs that if it didn’t make you laugh, it stuck with you forever.

He will always live in the hearts of his wife Regina Strong, children Andre Strong and Andrea (Walter) Duncan.  His brothers John McKinney of Greenwood, Mississippi, Jessie L. McClung of Indianapolis, Indiana.  Richard and Joe McClung of Marion, Indiana.  Bobby and Robert McClung of Itta Bena, Mississippi and Henry McClung of Tacoma, Washington.  His sisters Bettye Bryant and Vera Walson of Greenwood, Mississippi; Anna (James) Clark of Vallejo, California; Georgia (Steve) Clay of Chicago, Illinois; Irena McClung of Marion, Indiana; Myrtle McClung of Indianola, Mississippi; Isabell McClung, Shirley McClung and Carolyn Matthews all of IttaBena, Mississippi; Dorothy McClung of Byram, Mississippi and Sharon Rice of Ridgeland, Mississippi.  His 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a host of grandchildren he called his own.  He will also live in the hearts of his 2 brothers in-law, 9 sisters in-law, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at at 12:00 Noon Friday February 3, 2023 at Exceed Church 1281 Eater Dr. Rantoul IL. Eulogist: Pastor Jonathan Jackson. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Maplewood Cemetery.

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