David L Stratmon, former U.S. diplomat and professor, dies at 84

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Posted: 2/28/09

The Rust College family regrets to announce the death of Dr. David L. Stratmon, Sr., a former Rust professor of political science and social science division chair. He died Friday, May 1, in Holly Springs.

Stratmon, 84, had a nearly 30-year diplomat career (1956-1984) in the U.S. State Department Foreign Service and U.S. Information Agency (USIA), as cultural affairs officer and director of American Center, with postings and assignments in several countries, including Lebanon, Liberia, Ghana, Tunisia, Chad, Congo, Jordan, France, and England.

He served also as director of Fulbright program in the U.S. State Department, and coordinator of Smithsonian Cooperative Education Program in Washington, D.C.

Stratmon received his education at North Carolina A&T University, Howard University, University of Michigan, National War College, and Georgetown University Law Center.

With his retirement from State Department, Stratmon began his teaching career at Rust in 1984 until 1995.

He recently published his autobiography, dedicated to his wife, Dr. Lillian Jean Stratmon, "My Story - From A Small Town to The World", that chronicles his early years growing up in Southport, North Carolina, to his accomplishments as a U.S. career diplomat in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from 7-8 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home, and funeral service is planned for Thursday, May 7; 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Holly Springs.