Steven Jay (Steve) Stricklin, 71, of Huntsville, passed away peacefully in his home on New Year’s Day surrounded by his loved ones. Steve had been quietly battling melanoma since 2016. Steve will be remembered by all who knew him for his honesty, integrity and kindness. Many looked to him as a mentor in the building industry and as a role model for a good family man. He was also known for bringing flowers and proudly cheering on his wife and children as they enjoyed their passions and talents in the theatrical world.
Steve was born in Birmingham and spent his early years in Oneonta, Alabama, moving to Huntsville in 1960. He is the son of deceased parents, JT Stricklin and Wanda Louise Stricklin. He is an alumnus of Lee High School (‘67), Jacksonville State University (‘71) and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Following graduation from JSU, he was employed at DeVault Ultra Precision before becoming a nursing home administrator in Huntsville and then an area administrator across North Texas. He returned to Huntsville in 1984 to join his father at Stricklin Construction, Inc. before going out on his own as Stricklin Custom Homes, retiring two years ago. Steve was very involved in the Huntsville/Madison County Builders Association (HMCBA), serving in many capacities, including president, life director and president of the HMCBA Foundation. He also was a state director for Alabama Home Builders Association (AAHB) and a national director for National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In addition, he served for five years on the board of the Girl Scouts of North Alabama and as a member since 1995 of the COH Board of Examinations and Appeals for Construction Industries. He also served briefly on the COH Planning Commission. Steve was recognized by HMCBA as the 1994 Builder of the Year and was inducted into the HMCBA Hall of Fame in 1996.
Steve is survived by the love of his life and wife of 49 years, Susan Stricklin; his three children Shelby Stricklin, Jenny Stricklin (Heath Mahan), Jeff Stricklin (Alissa Davis), and two grandchildren, Sarah Jayne Snead and Virginia Stricklin.
Steve worked hard to leave a legacy for his family, but he was also an “eat, drink, and be merry” kind of person. The family feels extremely blessed that Steve was able to thoroughly enjoy his retirement years. He spent his time enjoying afternoon lunch dates with close family and friends, relaxing during long beach trips, and hosting Alabama game day tailgate parties in his home, where ‘win or lose’, everyone always left with a smile on their face and their bellies full. While Steve’s passing leaves a huge hole in the family’s hearts, they find comfort in knowing he lived a good life filled with love, hugs, laughter, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, comforting ocean sounds, and lots of good food.
To avoid health risks to all, the family will plan a celebration of his life at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his name to one of the following: Huntsville Madison County Home Builders Association, HMCBA – https://www.buildersassn.org/, IMPHuntsville (Independent Musical Productions) –
https://www.imphuntsville.org/ or Friends of Rescue – https://forrescue.net/
