David Stratton

David Stratton

September 14, 1951- November 1, 2025

Philadelphia’s Own

‘’King David’’

David Stratton was born on September 14, 1951 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to Evelyn and Robert Henry Stratton. He was one of 6 children. At an early age, David learned his calling, which led him to teach and speak the word of God.

David was born with a bowel disorder that required surgery as a young boy. While he was in the hospital, he suffered torture during a heavily racist time. A surgery that only required a small incision, instead, left him with a twelve-inch horrific scar, so that he would never forget. This was his first encounter with the enemy. David would speak often of his horrific experience and what he suffered, but he spoke more of his encounters with his angels that came to him and helped him and took care of him in the hospital.

David was different when he returned home from the hospital. He was quiet, and started to hear things from higher realms and know things that no one taught him. His father, who was the son of a pastor, listened to him with an open heart. He gave him books to read in different languages and David was able to understand what he read. David prophesied about the future of science and medicine; stem cells and technology. He spoke of how to heal the body, grow body parts and limbs; known today as regenerative medicine. He spoke of flying crafts that defied gravity and futuristic cars that could drive themselves; known today as electric cars.

In his early teenage years, he was privileged to meet with scholars in the main library of Philadelphia and began to study ancient biblical texts that were locked away, seen by appointment only. He spent hours there daily, learning everything he could. During this time he accepted Christ at Deliverance Evangelistic church.

As he grew up, he became a healer, herbalist, historian and scholar in research and science; ancient world history and the origins of the ancient Americas. If a person did not know who they were, he would teach them their history. He transcended religion and was loved by learned scholars in Hebrew, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He could bring together people of all religions.

He was known for being a “man of miracles” who was out of the ordinary. He had many gifts and talents including being a prophetic teacher with unwavering faith in the Most High. His prophetic words were more than fifty years ahead of his time and have now come to pass, in the face of naysayers, and those who envied his many gifts and talents. David spoke daily about the Most High and the importance of having a personal relationship with God, and of the anointing of Christ Yeshua. He had healing hands, that would heat up so hot, it would feel hotter than a heating pad. He once had beads of oil come out of his hands that kept flowing like tear drops. Those who witnessed it were blessed to be anointed by the oil. Many people spoke of him saving his life.

He was a 3rd degree blackbelt martial artist trained in different styles, even creating his own style of martial arts. This skill served him well many times, as he fought his way out of several attacks.

He was known around Philly as "King David" and was an entertainer, dancer, singer, song writer, and master percussionist that played the congas so well that it would bring people out to the street to hear him play. He was also a music producer. He wrote hundreds of songs that touched the heart, mind and soul including gospel, R&B, rap and country music. Known for his velvet voice, beautiful tenor and falsetto, he had many fans. He loved fashion and was known for being well dressed. He won a Posner hair contest and was offered the role of Shaft, but turned it down. He was a trained opera singer, studying opera at Temple University. As a student of renowned Opera singer Philip Cho, they discovered that David phenomenally had 27 octaves. Cho was impressed by David’s skills, noting that it took David months to learn what people took years to learn. David was very talented. He was in two bands: Axis, and God’s Children. He spent over 30 years writing and producing music, sometimes with and for his wife, Nikki; who were an inseparable musical duo.

David was also a chef known for his delicious, gourmet cooking. He specialized in soul food, comfort food, baking and specialty chicken dishes. He was one of the first people to introduce the chicken cheese steak to restaurants in Philadelphia, which is now a staple on many menus in the city to this day.

David was an educator, and master researcher. He was a welder, and a master carpenter. He was trained at OIC & Urban League of Philadelphia, and was an apprentice to Mr. Dandy. He worked at the Franklin Institute and built the famous walk-through heart display.

He was a welding teacher at Dobbins High school. He started the Adopt-A-School program in Philadelphia, which brought industries to the school district of Philadelphia. The program gave thousands of students co-op and entry into those various industries.

He was warmly known as “Mr. Strat” to his students and colleagues. Students would come to his classroom during lunch to hear him preach, teach and share prophecies. He was cool and funny with a powerful voice that rang like thunder. He was a motivational speaker and could lead any crowd. He mentored the youth, who knew him as "OG", "KD," "Unc,", “Big man” or simply, “Mr. Dave.” He got young people off the streets and motivated them to be successful. He taught them about the Most High and taught them their history.

David always had a philanthropic nature. Always giving to those in need, he was very generous and kindhearted. He was always there to help someone who needed him, no matter how he was feeling. He would go to bakeries and buy fresh bread to give to families who were in need. He would give money away to people who needed it. He always said that he wanted to be a “lender to nations.”

He was a family man, who devoted himself to his family. He was a wonderful father and a loving husband. David fathered six amazing children whom he loved with all his heart. Three from his previous marriage (Rashida, Dawud and Kamal) and three with his beautiful wife Nikole (Nikki) Stratton (Halimah (Leen), Ninqi (Nin) and David II (Manny)). He was blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

In 2022, David started retaining fluid and was diagnosed with CHF. He faced this battle with faith and hope for stem cell treatment. He was doing well and making many improvements. He was still prophesying, singing and enjoying his life, traveling to Charlotte, having a great time at Great Wolf Lodge and enjoying time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was preparing to celebrate his 20-year wedding anniversary and relocate to Charlotte, after having a full recovery from heart surgery at Temple University hospital.

On his last day, he was happy and looking forward to his move to Charlotte to be with his family, but he was suddenly called home to be with the Most High God; and while his wife was preparing his room in Charlotte, Yeshua HaMashiach was preparing him a mansion.

David will be forever celebrated by his devoted wife and best friend, Nikole Stratton; his amazing talented children, wonderful grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, siblings, cousins, and friends. King David’s wonderful legacy will forever be remembered and cherished.