Darrell Joe Strength

On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Darrell Joe Strength, loving husband, dad, and papa, passed away at age 80. Darrell was born on October 12, 1943, to Fanoy and Corene. He graduated from Forreston High School with four others in 1961. He married the love of his life, Carolyn, in Waxahachie, Texas in 1967, where they lived and raised three children, Tina, Michael, and Amy.

He worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield for 13 years. After leaving there he opened Jiffy Bail Bonds in Waxahachie. He retired in 2005. Being idle was hard for him so shortly after retiring he worked part-time at Vineyards Auto Supply. He loved working for Brent and Norma and interacting with the public. 

 Darrell was a long-time member of the Waxahachie Country Club where he played many rounds of golf. Carolyn recalls him playing golf a week before their wedding. His wrist was hit by a golf ball which broke his hand. His “something new” was a cast on his ring hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fanoy and Corene Strength.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn; daughters Tina Jette and husband Steven; Amy Strength, all of Waxahachie, Texas; son Michael Strength of Mansfield, Texas; a brother, James and wife Linda of Waxahachie, Texas; grandchildren, Jordan Heflin and husband Ryan, Caleb Strength all of Waxahachie, Texas; Taylor Elliott and husband Zach of Burleson, Texas; and Bailey Blythe of Mansfield, Texas. Great granddaughter Sawyer Heflin, and great grandson Hudson Heflin. 

 Family and friends will greatly miss Darrell and all his antics. Carolyn will miss Darrell sitting in his recliner with his feet up while shaking the ice in his empty cup and saying, “Carolyn can you get me some more tea?” Tina will miss him calling and to ask where Jordan is instead of calling Jordan herself. She will also miss hearing him call her “sugar.” Michael will miss the “in depth” conversations that went like this:

Darrell – “What are you doing?”

Michael – “Nothing.”

Darrell – “Do you need anything?”

Michael – “No I’m good.”

Darrell – “You want to talk to your mom?”

Amy will miss him calling her and saying, “Can you see Jordan’s car down there?” They will all miss getting calls about bad weather, asking if all the doors are locked, and if the cars are “in the shed.”

 In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to your favorite charity in his memory. The family would like to thank Alinea Family Hospice Care for the wonderful care they provided.