William Strait Obituary

Dr. William Francis Strait, III Rock Hill, SC - Dr. Frank Strait, beloved physician, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on June 23, 2021 at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC. He was 92 years old. A memorial service will be held at 4pm on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church, 421 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC with the Rev. Jane Summey Mullinnex officiating. Frank was born January 1, 1929 in Rock Hill, delivered by his father at home. He was the son of Dr. William F. Strait, Jr. and Rena Blanton Strait, and the grandson of Dr. William F. Strait, Sr. and Rosa Gaston Strait. He attended Winthrop Training School in Rock Hill, and graduated from Davidson College in 1949. He graduated from The Medical College of South Carolina (now MUSC) in 1953. This was followed by an internship in Greenville (SC) General Hospital and then his return to MUSC for Residency training. Dr. Strait served from 1953 to 1955 in the United States Air Force, where he served as a flight surgeon. In 1959, he joined the practice of Dr. James L. Simpson, who being the only obstetrician in the area for 7 years was finally able to take a vacation for the first time in his career. He enjoyed a long career (where he early on made house calls!) and it is estimated he delivered well over 6,000 babies. Over the years, Dr. Strait served as an officer in the York County Medical Society, the South Carolina OB-Gyn Society, and the South Atlantic OB-Gyn Society. He also served as President of the South Carolina Medical University Alumni Association. He was not a club joiner, but did enjoy his membership in the Rotary Club. After retirement, he spent many years taking medical mission trips to Central America and Africa. Dr. Strait became a member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church in 1959, where he served as a Deacon and an Elder, and sang in the choir for over 40 years. He was also a long-time member of Providence Presbytery's Hunger Action Team. This took him to Central America many times, where his background as a physician inspired the addition of medical assistance to the programs already being provided. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Sarah Burguson Strait; his daughters, Mary Hoppmann, Alice Coggins (Barry), and Helen Strait; grandchildren, Harry Hoppmann (Kelly), Emi Hoppmann Bazemore (Michael); and great-grandchildren, Lucy Hoppmann, Lillian Hoppmann, and Ava Bazemore. He is preceded in death by his parents and both sisters, Rosa Strait and Isabella Strait Huffman. He took up horseback riding at age 65 after completing construction on his log home on the outskirts of Rock Hill. He took flying lessons at the age of 70, but "retired" from flying due to the need for radio experience. Over his long and active life he enjoyed history, hunting, tennis, golf, hiking, camping, carpentry, sailing, snow skiing, and traveling, all with many of his life-long friends. Frank had an extremely agreeable personality, made friends easily and treasured their friendships. He was the idol of his children, to whom he agreed that whatever they wanted sounded like a good idea (whether forthcoming or not!). He was beloved by everyone, and his memory will be cherished by all. Frank's passing was greatly eased by excellent caregivers from Hospice & Community Care of Rock Hill and Home Bridge Services from Westminster Towers, several of whom became dear to the family. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Friday, July 2, 2021 at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, SC. The family gratefully requests that any memorials be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston