Cemetery. Claude Strong was born August 19, 1967, to the parentage of Waymon Strong, Sr. and Annette Strong, who both preceded him in death. Claude was a well-known and loved Tampa resident. He attended schools in the Hillsborough County School District, graduating in 1986 from Chamberlain High School. Claude was employed with RIPA Construction Company until his untimely demise on May 24, 2026. Claude was a phenomenal businessman, entrepreneur, and devoted family man whose life was defined by hard work, dedication, and a passion for bringing joy to others. Claude loved his family immensely. He enjoyed watching football. His favorite team was the Buffalo Bills. He was a great chef who loved to cook, especially barbecue. 

Alongside his beloved wife, Tina, he built Strong Old-Fashioned Italian Ice into a beloved and well-known business throughout the Tampa Bay area. Claude devoted countless hours, working days and nights, perfecting his Italian ice recipes and creating unique, unforgettable flavors that customers could not find anywhere else. Their two popular Italian ice trucks became a familiar and welcomed sight throughout Tampa and St. Petersburg, drawing long lines of customers at birthday parties, church events, festivals and countless community gatherings. Through his determination, creativity, and commitment to excellence, Claude built more than a successful business; he created cherished memories for families across the community. Claude and Tina also became known for their famous neck bones and peanuts recipes that earned a loyal following and were enjoyed by generations of customers. Above all, Claude was a loving husband, devoted family man, and friend to many. His warm spirit, generosity, and dedication to serving others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on through the businesses he built, the lives he touched, and the countless smiles he brought to people throughout the Tampa Bay area. Claude will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife, Tina Strong, his family, friends, loyal customers, and the many members of the community whose lives he enriched. His memory and legacy will continue to live on for generations to come. 

Claude was preceded in death by both parents, Waymon Strong, Sr. and Annette Strong; sister, Natalie Strong; and mother-in-law, Brenda Welch. Claude leaves to cherish precious memories with his beloved wife of 20 years, Tenecia Strong; children, Brian Federick, Shaver Clemons and Shayla Clemons; grandchildren, Bryan, Jr., Azaria, Angela, Bryce, Miyah, Mykai, Mekyla, Romir, Paris, London, Asia, Bryson and Yazan; sisters, Bobby Tinsley and Carolyn Strong; brother, Waymon (Peggy) Strong, Jr.; father- in-law, John (Debra) Fedrick; grandmother, Ruth Hires; sister-in-law, Felicia (Calvin) Glover; brother-in-law, Donald Welch; cousins of the Pittmon, Blackman, Wilson, Gray, Fedrick, Brown, Young, Davis and Singeltary families; best friends, Claude McDuffie and Rodney Williams; along with a host of aunts and uncles and other sorrowing relatives and friends.