Bernard A Strother

Bernard “Bernie” A. Strother, Jr. received his wings on August 17, 2023. Bernard was born on June 11, 1993, in Washington, DC to Avis Mack-Ivey. Bernard attended King George High School and began his career as a junior volunteer firefighter at King George Fire and Rescue Services. After graduating high school on June 11, 2011, Bernard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and earned the title and rank of Corporal E-4 as an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter Specialist. While serving in the military, Bernard enrolled in a 12-week Fire and Protection Apprentice Course and received numerous medals and badges. Among those honors, he received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation (4), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Expert Rifle Qualification Badge (2).

Bernard accepted Christ Jesus at an early age and was baptized at Le Detroit Baptist Church in Oxon Hill, MD. Upon honorably retiring from the United States Marine Corps on May 30, 2015, Bernard continued his firefighter career as a volunteer firefighter at Falmouth Volunteer Fire Department. While volunteering at Falmouth, Bernard started his law enforcement career at Fredericksburg Police Department and later at Essex County Sheriff’s Department. He then realized his love and passion for firefighting and decided to leave law enforcement and continue his path as a firefighter. Bernard worked his way up to becoming a full-time firefighter and an EMT with Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management before joining Richmond Fire Department Station 6 as a full-time firefighter in

January 2023. Bernard had also taken the required Swift Water Rescue classes and was part of the Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue Team. As a public servant with the USMC, police departments, sheriff’s departments, and fire departments, Bernard was the first in the fire and the last to come out. He ensured the safety of those whom he served, ensured that every life was saved, and he never hesitated to put his life on the line for others. On the morning of his passing, Bernard was doing what he was called to do and was fighting a two-alarm fire.

Bernard had a passion for fishing, jeeping, boating, and riding his motorcycle. When Bernard was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Even at the age of 30, he would lay and hug on his father, Ellis, and played with his ears. He also loved hanging out with his friends at the beach, lake, and fire station. Bernard was always willing to help and was never afraid to be himself. One thing everyone will miss about Bernard is his infectious, unique laugh.

Bernard leaves to honor his memory parents Ellis and Avis Ivey, brother Ellis “Rashard” Harrison (Ashley), and sisters

Kasey Davis, Nichole Robinson, and Stephanie Strother; nephews Elijah and Gabriel Moulder; nieces Delilah and Elliana Harrison; aunts Anita Lancaster and Shirley Mack-Jenkins (Roy), uncles Alexander Mack (Cheryl) and William

Mack (Juanita); cousins Angel Winters, Marcus Mack, Jalen Mack, Justin Mack, Nicholas Smith, Juanita Williams,

William Williams, and Charles Williams; extended family fire dad Chief Jim Kelly; best friends Virgil Bloom, Paris Wells, Arron “Carlos” Macias, Chris Hoffman, Karley and Dylan Johns, Chuck Shackelford, and Carla

Dillon; extended brothers and sisters at his home station of Richmond Fire Department Station 6, Chief Melvin Carter, Falmouth Volunteer Fire Department, King George Fire and Rescue Services, Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Fredericksburg Fire Department, and Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management; extended brothers and sisters of the Unites States Marine Corps; extended brothers and sisters of Fredericksburg Police Department and Essex County Sheriff’s Department; and a host of family and friends from motorcycling, boating, and jeeping adventures.

Bernard was preceded in death by his grandparents William and Shirley Mack and uncles Hilliard Mack and Gregory Lancaster.

Bernard was a loving, helpful, and caring son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who loved dearly. He will forever be missed, cherished, and never forgotten.

Livestream for the service please type in the following URL is www.ourlittlezion.org