Ronald L. Strong, of Oxford, passed away on April 21, 2019. He was 76.

Ron was the beloved husband of Sue for 38 years; loving brother of Mabel (Tom) Neddermeyer; loving stepfather of David F. (Jan) Hickman and his children Trinity Hickman, Adam Hickman and many grandchildren; Tammy (Johnny) Casanova; and Rick (Vicki) Hickman, and their children Ian (Carolyn) Hickman, John (Kelsey) Hickman, Natalie Hickman, and Jason (Jackie) Hickman, who affectionately knew him as “Papa.”

Ron is also the father of Candy (Chuck) Binning, Hope Strong, Lisa Strong-Dunn, Tad (Keri) Strong; grandfather of Jessie Binning, Rodger Teeple, Aaron Dunn, Jeremy (Kristina) Dunn, Bella Strong; many great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Milward and Evelyn Strong, sister Margaret Brokaw, and brothers Irven Strong, Donald Strong and Robert Strong. Ron was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing and camping.

His love of baseball and his particular fondness of the Tigers was well known by all that knew him. Ron, known to many as “Papa,” loved attending sports and activities with his grandchildren.

He was a fixture at local hockey arenas, games and practices. For more than 15 years he rarely missed one of his grandchildren’s figure skating events or baseball and soccer games.

Papa spent countless hours at the Detroit Skating Club, Brother Rice and Marian, and as a supporting scout at St. Hugo of the Hills. Ron was a true friend, and we will always love you and miss you Papa.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 26 at 11a.m. at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, Lake Orion. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Christian Memorial Cemetery.