Dr. Bill Stringer
Author: Teresa Lee/Tuesday, June 27, 2017/Categories: Obituaries
William “Bill” Cecil Stringer, 84, of Rocheport, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics. He was born September 18, 1932 in Cairo, Georgia, the son of the late Mack and Magdalene (Gandy) Stringer. On December 17, 1966, he was united in marriage in Houston, Missouri to Lola James Stringer, who survives at the home.
Bill was a graduate of Cairo High School, Cairo Georgia. After graduation, he attended the University of Georgia where he earned both a B.S. in Animal Science and a master’s degree in Animal Nutrition. He also served two years in the army and worked briefly for the University of Georgia.
In 1959, Bill made a life-changing decision. He enrolled in a PhD program in the College of Agriculture at the University of Missouri, completing his degree in 1963. After graduating, he accepted a faculty position in the college. He never left the University of Missouri. Prior to retiring in 1999, Bill served his department, the College of Agriculture, and the University in many capacities. He was a professor, department chair, and associate dean. He was known as an advocate for students, and earned a national reputation for his contributions in the area of food sciences. He received numerous awards including the Distinguished Faculty Award and the Faculty Alumni Award. When he retired, the new wing of Eckles Hall, the location of the Food Science and Nutrition program, was named the William C. Stringer Wing.
Bill’s professional work was only part of his life. He was deeply committed to his family. He was especially proud of his four grandsons and enjoyed playing with them and watching them grow and develop. He continued community service through his work as the judge for the country ham competition at the Missouri State Fair, and serving as a judge at many local fairs.
Bill was a charter member of the Parkade Baptist Church. For nearly 60 years, he served his church faithfully. He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
Along with his wife Lola, he is survived by his children: John Stringer (Stacy) of Columbia and Leah Maloney (Scott) of Rocheport; his grandchildren, Jared, Jake, and Jason Stringer of Columbia and Sam Maloney of Rocheport; a brother, Dan Stringer (Betty) of Lexington, South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Linda Stringer of Cairo, Georgia; his mother-in-law, Ruby James of Houston, MO; a brother-in-law, Terry James (Janice) of Conway, Arkansas; and sisters-in-law, Linda James and Jackie James both of Houston, MO and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Fred Stringer; his father-in-law, Maurice James, and brothers-in-law, Maury James and Mike James.