Thomas Milo Strain

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Thomas Milo Strain passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, as he went to be with the Lord at the age of 92.

Thomas “Tom” Strain was born on October 17, 1930, in Savannah, GA, as the only child of parents, Milo and Eleanor Strain.

Tom was raised in Savannah and New Orleans, where he graduated from high school and attended LSU.  Upon earning his business degree from Indiana University School of Business, he attended professional coursework and management development programs at UCLA and Harvard.

Tom’s early career was spent in Chicago and Los Angeles, moving to Miami to begin his banking career with Southeast Bank. It was in Miami, where he met his future wife, Ina Lee Gore.  They were married on August 1, 1959, in Traverse City, Michigan and shared over 63 blessed years together, raising their family on Key Biscayne and in the South Florida area.

During his thirty year career with Southeast Bank, Tom was a Branch President and later the Regional Director of Private Banking in South Florida. After two decades of weekending in Vero Beach with family and friends, Tom and Ina moved to Vero Beach in the late 1980’s.  Not ready for retirement, Tom began a second career in real estate investing and sales in the Vero Beach area, where he also became actively involved in his church finance committee, neighborhood committees, and the Vero community.

In addition to business and real estate, Tom had a love of classic cars, fine dining, travels, cruises, and gatherings with friends and family.  He also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially the family pets. However, Tom’s family was his true love in life.  He made it a priority to attend every milestone in his daughters’ and granddaughters’ lives from birthdays to graduations, and everything in between. Tom always set an example for others through his love and loyalty to family, friendliness to others, hospitality, and a positive outlook on life.  Tom exemplified generosity and kindness as he lived out his strong faith in his everyday life.

Tom is survived by his wife Ina Strain, his daughters Linda Strain Faust (husband Boyd Faust) and Kimberly “Kim” Carroll Sparger (husband Todd Sparger), and his beloved granddaughters Courtney Carroll Sparger, Lauryn Mary Sparger, Carter Marie Faust, and Hallie Elizabeth Faust.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society, or the charity of your choice in his honor.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.