Masel Curtis Strickland was born May 5, 1951 in West Virginia, the son of the late Orval Ora and Bertha Esta Neff Strickland.
He was united in marriage to Deborah Morris on December 28, 1972. Debbie preceded him in death on October 3, 2002, following 29 years of marriage.
Masel was employed as a mechanic for Bowen Auto Sales in Selmer for approximately 30 years and was an excellent carpenter. He enjoyed working on anything with an engine but preferred Chevrolets. Boating, shooting, listening to traditional country music, and working on things were among his favorite activities, but spending time with his grandbabies, children, and family was his greatest pleasure; he always managed to take his family on a vacation to Florida every summer. In his younger days Masel enjoyed racing and owned a ’57 Chevy that couldn’t be beaten. He loved animals and kept sheep, horses, a donkey, and his furbaby Bella. Masel was a generous man who would give anyone the shirt off his back if needed and was loved by so many. He was a joker and enjoyed cutting up with his brothers Cecil and Albert and picking on his sisters. Masel attended the Piney Grove Church of God with his daughter when he was able.
Masel departed this life on December 21, 2022 in Bethel Springs, Tennessee at the age of 71 Years, 7 Months, 16 Days. He is survived by a daughter, Tammy Crouse and husband Michael of Bethel Springs, TN; a son, Jimmy Strickland and wife Susan of Finger, TN; five grandchildren: Ginger Tackett and husband Jesse Tackett, Jessica Crouse and fiance Cody Pevytoe, Mika Crouse and fiance Noah Thomas, Curtis Strickland, and Wesley Strickland; six great-grandchildren: Brayden Pevytoe, Camdyn Pevytoe, Emma Tackett, Aubrey Tackett, Huntley Thomas, and Oakley Thomas; two sisters, Luella Willis and husband Walter and Wilma Morris and husband Dennis, all of Mifflin, TN; a brother, Albert Strickland and wife Donna of Henderson, TN; a special friend that was like a brother, Roonie Bowen of Selmer, TN; his furbaby Bella; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Masel was preceded in death by a sister, Becky Smith, and two brothers, Cecil Strickland and Leslie (Buddy) Strickland.
Tammy and Jimmy will always hold you in their hearts.
