Donald Strait, Sr.

Mayor Donald Ray Strait was born on September 1, 1947 in Lauderdale County to the late Ellis and Katherine Strait. After graduating from Central High School, he began a career in banking but soon felt called to serve in the Alabama National Guard where he retired after 33 years of full time service.  He loved to serve the community and did so as a member of the Mid-Lauderdale Fire Department.  After retirement, he began a new career initially as a council member and then ultimately the Mayor of St. Florian where he was in his second term.  He didn’t want to be called a politician, but a champion for the residents and to the town is how he wanted to be remembered.  As champion, he was always willing to work for the residents and served on the Shoals Economic Development Authority, the Northwest Council of Local Governments, and the Alabama Mayors Association.  When not working for the town he loved tinkering on and collecting antique tractors and was a member of the Shoals Tractor Club.  His greatest enjoyment was seeing the small town overflow with people one weekend a year as the town celebrates Oktoberfest. 

He leaves behind his wife, Gladys, sons Donald Strait, Jr. (Stacie), Brandon Strait (Candace), and four grandchildren Dustin, Bailee, Samuel, and Bella.  In addition two step children, and three step grandchildren.  He has two living sisters Diane Wright and Dale Landers, and his brother Gene.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Arvel, two infant sisters, and a grandson, Seth. 

Thank you to the community in which we call our family for your outpouring love and prayers during his illness.  A special thank you to the employees of the Town of St. Florian, the police department and to the Mid-Lauderdale Fire Department for your response and continued support.  To Zack Tippett, the Shoals EMS crews, ECM’s doctors and CCU staff who made it possible for us spend the final weeks with our dad, you are forever in our hearts. 

Funeral will be held at Highland Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018 with a graveside service at Mt. Zion Church of Christ Cemetery.

Pall Bearers will be Jerry Eckl, Wade Strait, Jason Brewer, Walter Johnson, Curtis McKluskey, Zack Tippett, and Jesse Bernard.  Honorary pall bearers will be the Mid-Lauderdale Fire Department.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Florian and Mid-Lauderdale Memorial at any First Southern Bank or at the Town Hall.  

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