Clifford Brent Strong, 86, passed away peacefully on October 8th, 2026. He was a dedicated and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He was known by those who knew and loved him as “Bernie” or “Brent”. He was an exceptional man who inspired those around him. He lived his life true to his and his father’s favorite phrase “It’s a great day to be alive!”

Brent was born on January 8th, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Reed Miller and Marjorie Beth Strong. He was their second child.

His childhood was full of joy and is well remembered for unique stories and family experiences. As a child, he was especially close to his older brother Darrell. They would explore the nearby hills and had many adventures. He recalled his father taking him and his brothers frog hunting in the swamp not too far from where they lived.

In August of 1953, his family relocated to Southern California. The adventures and stories of the Strong boys would continue. In 1958, Brent would graduate from Upland High School, and while there enjoyed playing the clarinet in the high school band. Soon thereafter, he enlisted in the Navy, where he would serve honorably for two years while crossing the Pacific on a couple of occasions.

Brent started his working career as an auto mechanic, and then was offered a position at Graves Automotive Supply. He loved his work there. He had many responsibilities where he opened and managed a new store and parts warehouse location, eventually retiring as Vice President.

While he was young, he met and married Beverly Louise Strong. Together they bought a home in Cucamonga and built a life together. They had two children, Bryan Reed and Brenda Louise.

Overtime life would change. In 1994, he would meet and marry his second wife JoAnn. They built a wonderful life together with their extended families. As the transition to retirement approached, Bernie and JoAnn found their joy in the beach community of San Clemente where they would live for the next 32 years. New traditions such as spending Independence Day at the beach and BBQ’s with JoAnn and Papa/Bernie would become cherished family memories through the years. They also had a great circle of friends where they would travel and enjoy life together.

Every day was indeed “A great day to be alive!”

Brent is survived by his wife JoAnn; children Bryan (Lori) and Brenda (Doug); step-children Gilbert (Rachael), Yvette (Chuck) and David; grandchildren Amanda (Matthew), Brittany, Kyle (Kelley), Erik (Jennifer), Calli (Clayton) and Jared (Jaslyn); step-grandchildren Cody, Corey, Tiffany, Kelly, Brit and RJ; great-grandchildren Theodore, Benjamin, Sierra, Georgia, Raelynn, McKinley, Cliff, Quincy, Grant, Opal and Olivia; step-grandchildren Brooklyn and Haylee. He is also survived by two brothers Mark (Maryann), Dean and sister Marjean (Tony).

Cemetery Committal Service
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
Riverside National Cemetery, 10:15AM

Celebration of Life (Family and Friends)
Home of Bryan and Lori Strong
Following Committal Service

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Brent’s name to the American Cancer Society.