Daryl "Zeke" L. Strathdee

Daryl “Zeke” Strathdee, 71, passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2021, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, Statesboro GA. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a private memorial celebration of life service held on Friday, July 16, 2021. Deal Funeral Home, Statesboro GA are handling the arrangements. Memorials may be left to the family.

Daryl was born on May 9, 1950, in Moline, IL to Robert and Norma (Ashdown) Strathdee. After graduating from UTHS he pursued his education in dentistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago where he earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He held the position of Public Dental Health Administrator in Tazewell County, IL and then moved to Aledo, IL where he opened his private practice.

Daryl was a very active member of the Aledo Jaycees and served one year as their president. He enjoyed being involved in community projects and recruiting new members to the chapter. Daryl also served on the Aledo City council as an alderman and was instrumental in the development of TIF and served on the Illinois Coalition of Small Towns.

He and Melanie Sheese were united in marriage on October 16, 1993, at the Aledo United Methodist Church. They later moved to the Quad Cities where he was employed with Car Quest and later with O’Reilly’s.

Shortly after retirement he and Melanie moved to Statesboro GA to be near his daughters and grandsons.

Daryl had a big heart and great sense of humor. He enjoyed telling long tales and jokes. He enjoyed watching sports especially the Chicago Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks. He was a die-hard Cub fan his entire life.

He loved his family deeply and will be greatly missed by many. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Melanie, children Leah (Shane) Niles, Statesboro GA, Emily Strathdee, Charleston SC, grandsons, Hank and Trace Niles, his mother, Norma Strathdee, Keller TX and two brothers. Daryl was preceded in death by his father.