Charles Glynn Strickland, 80, of Phil Campbell, Alabama was called to his eternal home on Monday, January 30, 2023. Soon after graduating from Phil Campbell High School, he attended Florence State University (now University of North Alabama), where he was a swimmer and studied mathematics. He then moved to a variety of places and traveled extensively for work. In 1978, when contracted to Tennessee Valley Authority at Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, he, his wife, Sue, and their daughter, Dana Sue, moved to Dutton, AL. The Stricklands resided there until 2004, when they moved back to Phil Campbell, AL and became active members of Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. For the last year, he has resided in Madison, AL to be near his daughter and her family.
While in Dutton, the Stricklands owned Dutton Chevron and were faithful members of Dutton Baptist Church, where Charles served as a deacon and a Sunday School Teacher. He and his wife were passionate about supporting the children’s and youth ministries within the church (Proverbs 22:6). While in Dutton, Charles was also a volunteer firefighter and an active member of Dutton’s Civic Ruritan Club. He thoroughly enjoyed this season of his life and all of the wonderful connections made and relationships built during this time. To them, Dutton became another home and his family multiplied by the closeness of those relationships.
Until limited by health, he was also an active member of multiple professional, fraternal, and charity organizations. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 48 based in Birmingham, AL. He was a Gideon and he helped with their Bible distribution ministry, He was a 32nd Degree Mason and he was active in the Scottish Rite. The charity he supported most and was incredibly committed to the work of is Shriners Hospital for Children. He volunteered with, contributed to, and did fundraising for them on a regular basis.
Charles was an undeniable patriot who took his citizenship, commitment to his country, and our right to a political voice very seriously. He served his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard, and he was active in multiple republican groups. He contributed a great deal to multiple campaigns and served in various capacities throughout the entire election process.
Charles built his life around serving others. He genuinely believed that we are called to bring The Light into this dark world. As a result, he continuously sought ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Charles and Sue’s homes have always been welcoming and full of unconditional love to all who entered. If they loved you, you were an instant family member and always had a place. They said they wanted to be as welcoming as Jesus himself. Beyond and continuing their life of faith, their daughter and her family were their greatest treasures on earth. His favorite titles in life were Dad, Daddio, Papa, Papa Bear, big brother, and Uncle Charles. These are names he cherished and on which he placed immense pride, responsibility, and extension far beyond his bloodline.
Charles is survived by one daughter, Dana Strickland Jetton (Ron); four grandchildren, Thomas Strickland Creech (Olivia Morgan Lamb-fiancé), William Fitzgerald Creech, Gavin Rhys Jetton, and Gabrielle Carolyn Jetton; as well as one great-grandchild, Haven Claire Jetton. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim Strickland, Becky Gilmore (Randell), Diane Lynch (Sherman), and John Strickland (Vickie), in addition to many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Sue Bradford Strickland; his parents, Charles Glynn Strickland and Johnnie Lou Stidham Strickland; a niece, and multiple brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Charles requested that those who love him have a celebration of his life, share happy memories, and cherish the knowledge that through faith in Jesus Christ, you will one day share eternity. (Rev 21: 4-5)
Services will be directed by Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
11:00 am- Family Visitation
12:00 pm- Family & Friends Visitation
1:00 pm- Celebration of Life Service
Graveside Service to follow immediately at Shady Grove Cemetery in Phil Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, in his memory.
