John Roy Stracener, 91 years old, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lowell Nash Stracener, Sr. and Alberta Unger Stracener, and his brothers, Lowell Nash Stracener, Jr. and William Unger Stracener.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Rose, his daughter Jenni Rae Stinnett (Phillip), his grandchildren Paxton Jay and Calder Brooks, and a cousin, Max Stracener (Lillian).
John attended the Baton Rouge public schools and graduated from LSU (Geaux Tigers) with a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in vocal performance. While at LSU, he worked at the university’s FM station and commercial station WJBO-WBRL until he was called to active duty in the Air Force. He served 32 years as a pilot and staff officer, including 14 years on active duty, 14 years in the Air National Guard, and four years as an Air Force Reserve officer at TEMA. He was promoted to Colonel and served as Vice Commander of the 118th Tactical Airlift Wing. His service in the Air Force took him to many places including Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In 1962, he was awarded the Air Medal for his participation in critical operations under hazardous conditions in Europe. The successful completion of these operations was an invaluable contribution to the overall mission of the USAF. While serving in the Air National Guard, he served as Under Secretary of the Masonic Fraternity for 20 years and was a member of several Masonic organizations, serving as a Freemason for 60 years.
He also served as senior citizen and activities minister at First Baptist Church for five years and as computer lab director at Central Middle School for five years. He was involved in the community through his work with the Middle Tennessee Choral Society and served as business director.
He was a member of the Exchange Club and served as club treasurer for 25 years. He was treasurer of the state Exchange Club and a member of the state Tennessee Child Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee. He volunteered over 4,000 hours in the Baptist Hospital cardiac rehab program. Although his blood was red and gold, he was a loyal supporter of MTSU through several sporting events and his membership in the BRAA! He was a member of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro where he sang in the choir for many years, served on numerous committees, was director of several Sunday school departments, and served as a deacon and trustee.
Family viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. following the viewing with Dr. Glen Money and Pam Pilote officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with friends and family serving as pallbearers.
Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church music and technology programs or to a charity of your choice in John’s memory.
An online guest book for the Stracener family is available at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Memorial Chapel. (615) 893-5151.
For more obituaries, visit https://rutherfordsource.com/obituaries/
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