of Searcy, AR
May 3, 1972 - May 22, 2024
Matthew Reid Stracener, 52, May 3, 1972 May 22, 2024. I find it truly amazing that Matthew, with all his special needs from his auto accident at age 19, was one of the happiest people in the room. Amazing that his attitude remained strong for the 30 plus years that he struggled to even swallow. Amazing that his standard response to any adverse situation was ''Oh Well'' and he delivered it with a smile. Amazing that he was so gifted with patience and acceptance of his condition, unable to walk or perform normal daily task. Amazing that he taught those around him how to be truly grateful for the smallest act of kindness and the blessing of being normal. Amazing that he would laugh at his condition when he couldn't do a task that most of us find so very simple. Amazing that he could not use a phone but was able to carry on a conversation on so many topics. Amazing that I learned grace from a disabled, ''brain damaged'' man. Absolutely amazing was about 15 minutes after a facetime visit with his mom, sister and niece, then a short tearful prayer and with his hand in mine he smiled and took his last breath. His was an amazing life and now by the grace of God, Matthew has a new unbroken mind and body.
Matthew was born in Tampa, Florida to Billy and Geri Stracener. He is survived by his mother, Geri Stracener; sister, Billie Ann Stracener and niece, Cierra Stracener of Minneapolis St Paul, Minnesota; His aunt, Deborah Harden (Danny) of Searcy, his aunt, Janet Stracener of Olive Branch, MS and me, his uncle, David (Karla) Stracener of Searcy and a host of cousins. Preceding him in death were his dad, Billy; his uncle, Kenneth and his cousin, Ben Stracener.
Special thanks to The Springs in Searcy where Matthew lived and to Hospice, who both took such good care of this amazing man.
A normal memorial service just doesn't fit this homeward bound Christian. We will celebrate his life with a gathering of family and friends at Berryhill Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 4:30 6:30 PM. Refreshments will be provided. He always called me uncle Cool, but he was the Cool one. We already miss Matthew.
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4 Condolence(s)
Charlotte Stenger
Monday, June 3, 2024
Oh! And we had a game where he came to my office to listen to music and I would try to stump him on the artists. I never could; he had a wealth of music knowledge. Had a lot of fun with that!
Charlotte Stenger
Monday, June 3, 2024
We are all better people for knowing and caring for Matthew. He was immensely joyful and his smile was infectious. So very grateful God lent him to us to know. Condolences to his family in their loss from The Springs Searcy. He will be missed.
Jennifer Campbell
Monday, June 3, 2024
Matthew was so super sweet! Everyday he greeted me with a smile and when I asked how he was doing he would say "Good! How are you" Even in those last few days, I would go see him and he would give me a big smile. I miss him but I know he is in that new, unbroken body really living his best life now. Prayers for your family!
Julie
Thursday, May 30, 2024
I didn't know Matthew personally, but I would see him every Sunday when I visited my grandma at The Springs. He would always have a smile on his face and speak if we passed him in the hall. Sorry for your loss.