September 1, 1939 – October 14, 2021
WENDELL – Thomas Ray Strickland, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday. He was born in Nash County to the late Roy Lee & Geraldine Trevathan Strickland. He was a hard worker, working as a mechanic & was an avid outdoorsman. Thomas is one of the founding members of both the Wendell Rescues & Fire Departments. He loved serving his community in all fashions, also being a member of the Auxiliary Police Department. He had such a generous, kind & giving heart when it came to his community, but he loved his grandchildren dearly and they hold a most special place in his heart.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Joy Nowell Strickland of the home, children, Emma Cozart (David), Ruth Strickland (Rick Lopez), siblings, Loraine Jones, Pansy Crowder & Larry Strickland, grandchildren, Phillip Cozart (Brandi), & Grace Cozart, great grandchild, Hilton Cozart.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare.
Graveside funeral service 11 a. m. Monday, Greenmount Cemetery, Wendell. Livestream available at www.facebook.com/stricklandfuneral
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com
12 Comments
Joy
Just heard about Thomas. I know your heart is heavy but blessed that he is no longer suffering. Such a great person. RIP Thomas.
Emma and Ruth, You are in my prayers! May God Bless You All!
To Joy and the Strickland Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. May you find strength and peace for the days ahead through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The community of Wendell recognizes the great dedicated and loyal public service of Thomas as an auxiliary police officer, volunteer fireman and member of the rescue squad. His commitment to community service was outstanding and will remain our memories.
Many memories of Thomas and his dad working in the radiator shop and seeing him at the police station. Praying that God will give all the family peace, comfort, and grace for the days ahead.
Thinking of your family at this time of loss. Praying that you can find some comfort in your memories.
So sorry for your loss . Prayers for the family.
I’m just hearing about Thomas’s passing. Joy, Emma, Grace…I’m praying for you and the rest of the family. It’s so hard when they leave. We claim together the joy of being reunited with our loved ones one fine day❤️
JOY I just heard about Thomas, so sorry but he is whole again without pain.
Joy so sorry to hear about Thomas. He was such a good man and always so nice to everyone. You and your children are in my prayers. Love y’all!
Was so sorry to hear of Thomas’ death. We were classmates at “Dear ‘Ole Wakelon” and I remember laughing at his many antics. My sincere condolences to his wife, Joy, and all of his family.
So sorry to hear this about Strick. What a great man, I will miss seeing him on my trips back home to Fla.. Many good memories hunting in Va.
Very sorry to hear about Strick….one of the best deer hunters ever. Many fond memories of my youth spent hunting with Thomas and David. Condolences from B&J Hunt Club, Ivey Green, Phil Green, and Eric Johnson
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