Beetem Harry Strack Jr.

Beetem Harry Strack, Jr., 80, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away on September 18, 2023. He was born on August 12, 1943 to Beetem Harry Strack, Sr. and Mary Kate Copeland Strack.

Harry, a loving and devoted father and grandfather was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his ex-wife Susan Donnelly Strack, children, Brian (Shelley) Strack and Kristen (Scott) White, and grandchildren, Clinton Boyd, Grayson Strack, Sawyer Strack, Nathan White, Maggie White, and Jesse Strack. He is also survived by his sisters Ann Strack Thomas and Debbie Strack (Jim) Calhoun, along with many other special family members including brother in laws, sister in laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Upon graduation from LaGrange High School, Harry attended his beloved Auburn University where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and deeply involved in many campus activities. After graduation from Auburn University as a Naval ROTC officer, Harry gave 20 years to the United States Navy, including two tours in Vietnam as a supply officer and retired as a Captain. He met his wife, Susan, and they married in 1967. They raised their family in their home in Stone Mountain, Georgia where Harry lived for 50 years. Harry owned a successful CPA business, as well as worked for many years for Base Manufacturing before "retiring." Harry continued to serve his clients through is CPA business until the age of 80. He worked tirelessly to make sure everyone was taken care of and had many faithful clients still with him. Harry was an active member of his community and devoted much of his time to the Stone Mountain Rotary Club, the Smoke Signal, and other community organizations.

Harry loved adventure and did a lot of traveling with family and friends. He loved adventure races with his buddies and he proudly ran 41 consecutive Peachtree Road Races, one even 11 days after back surgery. To quote him when asked what his motivation for running year after year, he said, "So I didn't break my streak and probably stupidity and stubbornness." He spent many hours on the sidelines of his grandchildren's sporting events and learned to love any sport they were playing. Harry- aka HoJo was a well-known fan around town. Harry had a love of people and enjoyed his family and friends, new and old. Never a stranger to anyone and accepting of everyone.

A memorial service will take place at 11a.m. on Thursday, October 12th at Oak Grove United Methodist Church- 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA followed by a Celebration of Life at Manuel's Tavern- 602 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA. Donations can be made to Rotary International- www.rotary.org.