Athel Raymond Strickland, 90, passed to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at NMMC in Tupelo, MS. He was born on September 11, 1935 in Red Bay, AL to Clayton and Linnie Emerson Strickland. He was a member of Family Worship Center. He loved his wife and family very much. Athel loved to be outside mowing grass with his John Deere mower, bush hogging on his Ford tractor, or sitting on the back porch petting his favorite cat, Little One.
Funeral services will be Monday, January 5, 1 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Tim Holsenback officiating. Visitation will be Monday, 11-1 at Deaton Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Gail Davis Strickland; two sons, Randy Strickland (Nancy) and Larry Strickland (Regina); two sisters, Bernice Hutcheson and Nancy Hoff; two brothers-in-law, Dale Davis and Jeffery Davis (Lyndi); grandchildren, Myranda Putman (Adam), Nathan Strickland (Amy), Dr. Leah Anderson (Seneca); Leisa McCullough (Scott) and Sam Strickland; step-grandchildren, Staden and Jesia Roberts; special god-grandchildren, Carey Snyder and Pirro Cipi; twelve great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-son, Michael Anthony Roberts.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Strickland, Sam Strickland, Adam Putman, Scott McCullough, Andrew Putman and Max Ray Hutcheson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Davis, Tommy Gholston, Rickey Roberts, Sam Baker and Morris Strickland.
