Michael William “Mike” Stransky, age 82, passed away on October 1, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Mike was born on July 27, 1944, in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Laura A. Hamilton and William A. Stransky. Though born in New Jersey, he grew up in Marianna, Florida, where he attended high school and built the foundation of the life he would later be known for. He carried with him the values of determination, loyalty, and resilience, and he lived his life in a way that reflected those qualities every day. Mike was known by many as a stubborn man, but those who loved him understood that his stubbornness was often simply another way of describing his strength, his conviction, and his unwillingness to give up when life became difficult.
A dedicated truck driver by profession, Mike spent many years on the road and took pride in his work. He drove for Walmart, Southern Ag, and Summerford, and he earned several driver safety awards during his career. He approached his work with seriousness and responsibility, and he was respected for the care he took in doing his job well. His years behind the wheel were more than just a career. They were a reflection of his dependability and his commitment to providing for the people he loved.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Stella Stransky, to whom he was married for 27 years. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Nelva Love, and by his sister, Louise Hamilton, who died at the age of five. The loss of loved ones was something he carried with him, yet he continued to live with strength and love for those who remained. He especially loved his mother, and that love remained a defining part of his life throughout the years.
He is survived by his daughters, Sonya Hickman and her husband Randy, and Andrea Stransky. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, John Andy Calloway, Jr. and his wife Sierra, Abby Pittman and her husband Jeffery, U.S. Navy First Class Diver Ethan Youngblood, and Camden Michael James. Mike was blessed to know his great-grandchildren, Bentley Calloway, Aubrey Calloway, JC Pittman, III, AnnaClaire Pittman, and LauraKate Pittman, each of whom brought joy and pride to his life. He also leaves behind his faithful black lab, Payton, who was a constant companion and source of comfort.
He was also a lifelong fan of Florida State University, and his loyalty extended to the things and people he cared about most. Whether at work, at home, or among family, Mike lived with a sense of purpose that was unmistakable. He was not a man who sought attention, but he earned respect through his actions, his perseverance, and his unwavering devotion to those he held dear.
Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home (334) 983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com
