Harry Livingston Stracener, Jr., 87, of Buda, Texas stepped into the church triumphant on December 26, 2023, in Kyle, Texas. Harry was born in Gregg County, Texas to Lottie Opal Gray Stracener and Harry Livingston Stracener, Sr. on June 22, 1936.
Harry went to high school at Gladewater High School and graduated in 1954. He went on to earn a Master of Education degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College. He worked as an Educator and Administrator for Victoria, Longview, Goliad, Bastrop and Hays ISDs for 39 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bar-b-que cook-offs and playing in the Jug Band. Harry loved his Lord, his family and being involved with youth and agriculture and played an active role in both the Goliad and Bastrop County Fairs.
Harry married the love of his life, Martha Jean Young in Goliad, Texas on July 18, 1959. Their life together started in Victoria where he taught Vocational Agriculture before taking up the same vocation in Longview. It was in Longview where Harry and Martha welcomed their three sons to the world. In 1966 they moved back to South Texas where Harry became Ag Teacher and then Administrator for Goliad ISD for nearly 20 years. In 1985 they moved to Bastrop and eventually settled in Buda in 1998. Harry continued his Administration in Education at both Bastrop and Hays ISDs before retiring in 2000. In retirement, Harry enjoyed hanging out at the family ranch, the Circle S in Goliad, hunting, cooking and entertaining family and friends. Harry was fondly called Happy by his grandsons and Banjo by his brother.
Harry is survived by his wife of 64 years, sons Jeff Stracener (Rita) of Corpus Christi, Todd Stracener of Cedar Creek and Troy Stracener of Buda, brother Leland Stracener (Judy) of Alvin, grandsons Scott Stracener of Austin, Shawn Stracener of Austin, Joshua Stracener (Gabriela) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jacob Stracener (Molly) of Idaho Falls, Grady Stracener of Austin, Reagan Stracener of Austin and Jack Stracener of Buda and great grandson Marcus Stracener of Idaho Falls and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Stracener Crutchfield, brothers-in-law Blackie Thigpen, Henry Hausmann and Sonny Crutchfield and sister-in-law Neva Thigpen.
Memorial service will be held at Hays Hills Baptist Church on January 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Goliad, Texas at a later date. Harrell Funeral Homes will be handling the funeral arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the Goliad County Fair Association or the charitable organization of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Harry left a lasting impression on everyone he touched, and he will be missed. Go rest high upon that mountain Harry, Jr!
