Eddie Strickland

Eddie Ray “Bear” Strickland passed from this earth into his heavenly Father’s arms on March 17th, 2016 at the age of 66, but his larger-than-life persona and trademark stubbornness will not be forgotten. He was born in Lenoir County, NC on July 14th, 1949 to parents Doris Lee and Elbert Strickland. He grew up the middle child of 6 children including 1 sister and 4 brothers. He grew up in and around Pink Hill, NC and lived in the area until joining the army in 1969 where he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX.

Affectionately known as “Bear” by his family and many friends, he worked as a supervisor at Van Tran Electric for over 20 years and then drove an 18-wheeler truck for many years with various companies until retiring. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, golfing, and telling the same stories over and over in a very loud voice to all that would listen. He was a master craftsman and could build or fix anything that you brought to him.

He despised tuxedos, taking pictures, and pretentious people. He loved dogs, babies, and his John Deere riding lawn mower. But most of all, he loved his wife of 46 years – Sandra Kay Strickland. They met on the parking lot of Southwestern Bell in Waco, TX while he and a buddy were on weekend leave from the army and cruising for chicks on a Friday night. After dating 6 whirlwind weeks, he knew she was the one for him and they married on October 6th, 1969. Two short years later they had their beautiful, blonde haired daughter – Deborah Ann. Nine years after that, they had their mischievous redheaded son – Christopher Ray.

Eddie Ray is survived by his wife – Sandra Kay Strickland (Waco, TX), daughter Deborah Ann Jackson and husband Sean Jackson (Tatum, TX), son Christopher Ray Strickland and wife Amanda (Houston, TX), grandsons Robert Trent Jackson and Nicholas Sean Jackson (Tatum, TX), sister Ann Exum (Kinston, NC), brothers Joseph Strickland (Kinston, NC), James Monroe Strickland (Wallace, NC), Billy Strickland (Wallace, NC), and Dennis Strickland (Beaulaville, NC) – in addition to a whole gaggle of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Doris (Lee) Strickland and Elbert Strickland.

The family will receive visitors from 5-7pm on Sunday March 20th, 2016 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home located at 3124 N. Robinson Dr. Waco, TX. The funeral will be held 1pm on Monday March 21st, 2016 at Cottonwood Baptist Church located at 890 FM 2643 Lorena, TX. Prior to the funeral service, a lunch to celebrate the life of Eddie Ray will be held at 11am in the fellowship hall of Cottonwood Baptist Church. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Interment will be at Cottonwood Cemetery (next to the church).

The family of Eddie Strickland would like to thank all of the friends and family for the outpouring of love and prayers during this difficult time. We would especially like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at Providence Hospital ER and ICU for all of their excellent care and compassion.