Samuel “Sam” Strickland, age 73, lost the battle with cancer on August 16th, 2025, the day before his 74th birthday, even if not planned or on purpose, it was directed by him as always when he told the nurse “I think I will skip this one.”
With such an infinite group of friends, loved customers and adopted family members, Sam will have three different farewells including a Military Service at Adams Brown Funeral Home (viewing starting at 2:00 pm and service at 4:00 pm with his good friend Will Weir officiating. In addition, two other celebrations of life will take place soon at both the Guntersville Rescue Squad Building and at his second home in Gulf Shores.
As proud as Sam was of his Military Service, he surpassed that by miles when answering over 35 years of Rescue Squad calls in the middle of the night to both rescue others from harm, and provide closure to families when their loved ones went missing.
Sam was a man like no other with a love for life, and as many hobbies as fingers, which stayed constantly wrapped around his Harley Motorcycle, Pool Stick, Dive Gear, Ski Rope, Boat Motor, two beautiful grandchildren, or reaching out in a wiggle of invitation to hug any of his loving family of close friends. Those fingers of his told many stories, most of all when it was time to go… when those tapping little fingers started, anyone that knew Sam knew by that point he had been in one place too long.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Ann Strickland and Samuel Henderson Strickland Jr.; sister, Betty Elizabeth Strickland; son, Samuel David Strickland; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Hill.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Sue Strickland; daughter, Rachel Strickland Chapman, and her husband, Phillip Leon Chapman; grandchildren, Leah Ann Chapman and Preston Dean Chapman; honorary son, Jeramiah Dravis; brothers-in-law, Tim Hill and Gary Hill; along with a plethora of loyal customers, extended family and close friends to keep his memory alive.
The family would like to thank all the love and support that has poured onto them by friends and family members alike as we cherish all the wonderful things Sam left behind to remember him by.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Guntersville Rescue Squad. Services entrusted to the care of Adams Brown Service Funeral Home.
