EDWARDS — Willie Earl Strong died Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at his home in Edwards. He was 49.

Born in Raymond, Mr. Strong attended Carver Junior High School and Edwards Junior High School. He was a member of Galilee M.B. Church in Raymond. 

He was a construction worker and heavy-equipment operator.

He was preceded in death by his father, A.J. Strong; and three sisters, Erma Jean Strong, Patricia Ann Strong and Glenda Denise Strong.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie Strong of Jackson; two sons, Terrance A. Lawson and Kenyon Lawson, both of Jackson; his mother, Martha Bell Strong of Edwards; one sister, Mary Strong of Edwards; two brothers, Abraham Jerry Strong of Edwards and Eddie Strong of Bovina; seven grandchildren; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services will be at noon Wednesday at Galilee M.B. Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 5 p.m. today at Lakeview Funeral Home.