Tony Aaron Stratton

Tony Aaron Stratton, 84, of 1961 Oregon Hill Road, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. He had been in declining health for several years. A funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, March 7, at Victory Baptist Church where he was a member. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Tony was a native of Rockingham County and was the son of the late Abraham Lincoln and Flora Belle Meeks Stratton. He served in the US Army during World War II and was a retiree of American Tobacco Company. He grew up farming and continued to do so as long as he was able, raising tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Tony was well known in the area for his declicious watermelons. He loved life and he loved people, which was evident by the many ways he helped others over the years. Tony learned to play the guitar and the fiddle at an early age and loved making music with many friends and relatives. Some of his most rewarding accomplishments were when the Stratton Family sang to glorify the Lord at various places in North Carolina and Virginia, winning trophies at gospel singing conventions in both states. Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Virginia Sawyers Stratton of the home; daughters, Gail Paschal and husband Tommy of Greensboro, Karen Edwards and husband, Donald, and Bonnie Edwards and husband, Randy of Ruffin; sons, Winfred Stratton, and wife, Teresa, and Steve Stratton of Ruffin; sister, Myrtle Nelson of Eden; brother, Gordon Stratton of Eden; ten grandchildren / step-grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren / step-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Gladys O'dell, Christine Vernon, Lillie Taylor and husband, Junior, Orene Baker and husband, Charles; brother-in-law, Bud Sawyers; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Howard, Melvin and Harry Stratton; sisters, Ruby McGuire, Esther East, Belle Barber and Lena Stratton; parents-in-law, Samuel and Beatrice Hopkins Sawyers. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, 5 - 7 PM at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Victory Baptist Church Building Fund or Youth Activities, 2073 Oregon Hill Road, Ruffin, NC 27326. Online condolencese may be offered to the Stratton family at www.fairfuneralhome.com