Retired Army Gen. Theodore J. Conway, a former commander of the U.S. Strike Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa and an educator, died Tuesday (Sept. 11, 1990) at St. Anthony's Hospital. He was 81. He died of cancer, after being ill for about a year, said his wife, Eleanor. Gen. Conway led the Strike Command from 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson appointed him, until 1969 when he retired after 42 years in the service. After leaving the military, the four-star general returned to school, his wife said, earning a master's degree in political science at the University of South Florida in 1975. Four years ago, he received a doctorate in history from Duke University. He taught political science and military history at the University of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College and Eckerd College. Theodore John Conway was born in Vallejo, Calif. After high school he enlisted in the 30th Infantry at the Presidio of San Francisco. He was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy in 1929. Graduating in 1933, he returned to West Point six years later to teach. He later studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, Middlebury College, the Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College. A master parachutist, he was a former commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. He came to MacDill from Germany, where he commanded the 7th Army. His other assignments included deputy commanding general of the 8th Army in Korea and chief of the military assistance group in Thailand. Gen. Conway held the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters among his decorations and awards. He lived at 2160 Tanglewood Way NE. Survivors in addition to his wife include two daughters, Laura Nason, Buckingham, Pa., and Ruth Willms, Indianapolis; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson. National Cremation Society is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at the Presidio of San Francisco Military Cemetery. A memorial service will be held later at the MacDill chapel, his wife said. The family suggested memorial contributions to a favorite charity.