Dr. Richard Charles Strickland, 68, passed away on September 3, 2014 surrounded by his family at his home in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
In accordance with his wishes, no formal service will be held.
Richard was born September 2, 1946 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the eldest of four children born into a Navy family. He lived in many places throughout his childhood; his favorite being Hawaii. After graduating from high school Richard went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from the University of Florida. Richard then served as a Specialist in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Richard went on to earn a Master of Science degree from Auburn University and a PhD from Purdue University. He was a member of Xi Sigma Pi forestry honor society, the Society of American Foresters, Gamma Sigma Delta agricultural honor society, and the Purdue chapter of the Scientific Research Society of North America.
After earning his doctorate, Richard worked for over 30 years at Tennessee Valley Authority before retiring in 2008. In his spare time he enjoyed target shooting, gunsmithing, Auburn football, Nascar, and studying history. Richard was a loving husband to his wife of 43 years, a devoted father to his two children, a caring big brother to his three younger siblings, a brilliant scientist, a humble man, and a truly wonderful person. He never met a stranger, always remembered a name, and cared deeply for everyone in his life. Richard is survived by his wife, Joy Hodges Strickland; his son, Kevin Richard Strickland; his daughter, Anne Strickland Shannon and husband Clint; his sister, Linda Strickland Livingston and husband James; his brother William Henry Strickland and wife Lynn; his brother, Thomas Wayne Strickland and wife Dawn; his nieces and nephews: Scott Mathis, Susan Mathis Gaither, Jennifer Mathis Stubbs, Suzanne Strickland Hammonds, Will Strickland, and Shawna Strickland; his granddog and eight grandcats. He is preceded in death by his mother Anna and father William.
Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice, Rosa Darby, and all the other nurses and doctors for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.
