Autry Gillis Strayhand

Autry G. Strayhand, age 95, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2007 at his home in Holbrook. He was born January 10, 1912 in Texas where he lived until he was married, had several children and had held various jobs. He heard about the sawmill in Arizona and decided to move to McNary, AZ in 1944. Shortly thereafter they relocated to Maverick, AZ, becoming the first Blacks to live there. He cut logs for six years until 1950 when he and his family moved to Holbrook and he began working as a custodian for the Holbrook Public Schools (where he worked for 27 years). In 1953 he was ordained a Deacon but was later called to preach and in January 1969 he became a Minister for Blooming Grove Baptist Church in McNary where he served for 23 years. He was the proud father of 11 living children and was preceded in death by 4 children. He leaves to cherish him, many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday February 10th at the St. Johns Baptist Church in Holbrook (803 E. Lewis St.) with a visitation from 6-8:00 P.M. Friday February 9th at Owens Mortuary in Holbrook. Burial will follow the services in the Holbrook Cemetery.