Obituary of John Portor Strode II

AIKEN, SC – John Portor Strode II, age 79, died peacefully on the morning of July 5, 2020.  With him during his last days were his current companion Grace Wheat, Kim Maiers, and his three brothers who, along with very close friends, provided care, love, and support at his home in Aiken. 

John was born April 22, 1941 in Teaneck, NJ to the late John Portor Strode and Martha Watson Strode.  John spent his youth in South Jersey and graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School where he was a three sport varsity athlete.  He attended the University of Delaware continuing his baseball and wrestling career.  He was a star during his three years of baseball, setting numerous records including a three home run game.  John was also in the U.S.  Army ROTC program, a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry.  After serving his country, he began a long and successful career with Hercules Chemical Company, eventually becoming a division sales director. 

John married the love of his life, Martha Lanza (Marti) Strode in 1981, and continued to work for Hercules until his retirement in 2000.  Due to Marti’s multiple sclerosis and John’s passion for golf, they built a custom home along the golf course at Woodside Plantation Country Club in Aiken, where they were members.  He loved sports in general, especially his favorite teams the NY Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta Braves.  The only time he missed a round of golf was once or twice a year when he and his brothers traveled to Cape Hatteras, NC to fish. 

John was known for his good cheer and his singing.  He began singing with the Grace Church choir in Haddonfield where he honed his skills.  His distinctive voice was a part of his character and he regularly regaled his family and friends with his singing.  After moving to Aiken, John sang with the Augusta Choral Society while continuing to make people smile while singing a variety of contemporary songs and seasonal favorites.

John’s life was not without struggles but his faith carried him through.  He will be remembered for his dedication and commitment to Marti in her long battle with MS, as well as his own successful 34-year fight against alcoholism.  In his later years, John could no longer play golf due to his back injuries and his developing Parkinson’s disease, yet he never lost his love for golf, continuing his friendships with his golfing buddies and remaining an avid fan of professional and amateur golf.

John had a special and exceptional commitment to MS fundraising, and also supported Parkinson’s, veterans, animal, and many other charities.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Marti.

Survivors include: Grace Wheat; his three daughters, Kim Maiers, Andrea Strode, and Destiny Strode; two grandchildren, Jaden and David Strode; and three brothers, Walt, David, and Rob.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on August 6^th at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church in Aiken, SC.  Interment will follow in the St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church Cemetery.  Reservations are required for service attendance; however, the service will be broadcast on the internet via livestream.  Please contact David Strode at (805) 291-3693 for reservations. You may view the livestream of the service by visiting www.facebook.com/StThaddeusAiken/ beginning at 6 p.m. on August 6th. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

For more about John, details on the livestream service, and an opportunity to leave expressions of sympathy for the family, please visit www.georgefuneralhomes.com.