Jeffrey Carswell “Jeff” Strickland, 68, of Blackshear, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.
Born in Blackshear November 20, 1955, he returned to Pierce County in 1986. He was a 1973 graduate of Blackshear High School where he was on the football team as well as involved in boxing. Following his graduation he enrolled in Valdosta State College (now University) and received his bachelor's degree in communications. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines and later enrolled in Officer Candidate School gaining the rank of First Lieut enant. After his service in the Marines, he went to work for the Federal Prison System at FCI Jesup where he retired in 2010 as a drug treatment specialist.
He was very patriotic and was therefore a member of several groups and organizations including the Sons of the Confederacy, the Blank Check Society and the American Legion. Riding his Harley with his buddies was a favorite pastime of his as well as his physical fitness. He enjoyed swimming, working out and doing yoga regularly. He loved being outdoors whether it was hunting or just sitting on his dock on the lake. He was a Georgia Bulldog fan and enjoyed spending time with his family whom he dearly loved. He was a member of the Blackshear First United Methodist Church.
He was a son of the late Carswell Talmadge and Carolyn Rebecca Ayers Strickland. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Emma Strickland; a brother, Jerry Strickland and two brothers-in-law, Steve Middleton and Byron Taylor.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Lynn Taylor Strickland, Blackshear; three children, Justin (Jenny) Strickland, Blackshear, Summer Greene, Gray and Dempsey (Amanda) Herrin, Guyton; a sister, Jill Middleton, Blackshear; a brother-in-law, Stephen Taylor, Darien; and two sisters-in-law, Wanda Strickland, Blackshear and Shirley Taylor, Waycross; seven grandchildren, Wheeler Greene, Jon Strickland, Miller Greene, Julian Strickland, Harmony Herrin, Liberty Herrin and Oliver Strickland and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday, October 3, from the Blackshear First United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, October 3, from the Blackshear First United Methodist Church.
Interment will follow in the Blackshear Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial. com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.
Strickland
