James Malcolm Strader

James Malcolm Strader, 96, of Reidsville, NC, was peacefully called to his heavenly home on July 05, 2023, with loved ones by his side.

James "Mac" was born on May, 03, 1927, to James Arthur and Julia Ferguson Strader in Reidsville, NC. He was raised on the family farm in Reidsville, which cultivated a lifelong love of the land and farming.

The love of his life, Dorothy "Dot" (Letchworth) Strader, caught his eye when she would frequent the grocery counter where Mac worked. The two were married in February 1951. Mac and Dot went on to have two children, Larry Malcolm and Linda Greene.

A Korean War veteran, Mac honorably served in the US Army from 1950 to 1952. He worked at The American Tobacco Company in Reidsville as an electronic systems supervisor for 35 years. Mac was a devoted member of North Scales Street Church of Christ where he served as a Deacon, choir member and Sunday School teacher.

Mac's retirement ushered in a labor of love, a beach home at Topsail Island where he spent countless hours fishing with friends and family. He always had a project in the works and never met a stranger. Mac's gentle knack for creatures was evident in his beekeeping hobby and cattle rearing. He was even known to tame a kitten or two. Mac was a talented gardener and cook.

Mac was a one-of-a-kind papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was never too busy to spend his days making them feel like they were the center of his world. He had a warm, kind approach to all that encountered him. He touched the lives of those around him in unforgettable ways. Mac's unwavering strength and ability to always overcome made it feel as if he'd live forever.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents, James and Julia Strader, and infant brother, Jimmy Strader.

Mac is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; children, Larry (Evelyn) of Oak Ridge, NC, Linda (Tony) of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren: Landis Smith (Chris) of Raleigh, NC, Lindsey Hughes (Joseph) of Westfield, IN, and Malcolm Greene of Greensboro, NC; great-grandchildren: Sydney, Ellie, Kylie, Mallory, Roman, Eyler and Elyn.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Friday, July 07, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be in his memory to the American Diabetes Association.

The family extends special thanks to the caregivers: Vicki Lynn, Phyllis Rigney, Kim Owen and Lisa McGehee.