Tributes

William Howard Strickland, age 78 of Hazel Road, died Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at his residence. Mr. Strickland was born in Whiteville, NC, a son of the late Rufus Willie and Myrtie Prince Strickland. He was a member of Tilly Swamp Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school. He loved his church, his Lord, and serving his community. Mr. Strickland retired from the US Army, having taught five years at West Point Military Academy, and serving one tour in WWII, one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. He was a decorated Command Sergeant Major, recipient of the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and an eight time recipient of the Good conduct Medal. Mr. Strickland was a member of Disabled American Veterans and was an avid outdoorsman, sportsman and Volksmarcher. Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Betty Strickland of Conway; one son John Strickland of Exter, NH; seven daughters Carol Maslanka and her husband Dave of Dale City, VA, Barbara Lesieur and her husband Gary of Hudson, NH, Patricia Premmer of FL., Nancy Valley of Shalotte, NC, Maureen Strickland and Wendy Todd and her husband Tommy both of Conway and Sherry Jones of Myrtle Beach; eight grandchildren Susan Helbert, Chris Maslanka, Alysha Lesieur, Jonathan and Jacob Strickland, Brandon Reece, Michael and Jennifer Todd; five great-grandchildren, Zack Hammers, Tyler and Justin Helbert, Sarah and Stephanie Maslanka; four brothers George Strickland and his wife Joyce of Jackson, NJ, R.W. Strickland and his wife Sandra of Conway, Roderick Strickland and his wife Dorothy of Ft. Meyers, FL, Charles Strickland and his wife Sylvia of Goose Creek, SC; four sisters Jessie Russ of Whiteville, NC, Sara Turner and her husband Roy of Port Richey, FL., Judy Kapu and her husband Eli of Hawaii and Bonnie Hans of Las Vegas; many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and Bible Buddies. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday from Tilly Swamp Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Marlow, Rev. Archie Evans, Rev. Lamar Bouleware and Rev. James Herring officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, directed by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to Tilly Swamp Baptist Church, Bldg. Fund, 4619 Hwy 90, Conway, SC 29526.