Kenneth Hugh "Strick" Strickland, age 70, of Summerville, GA, took his first step into Heaven on Friday, April 15, 2016.

Mr. Strickland was born March 10, 1946, in Marianna, FL, the third child of the late Frank and Eula Strickland.  Ken was the brother of Kelly Strickland, now deceased, of Tallahasee, FL. 

"Strick" attained the rank of E5 in the U.S. Army, having served in Korea during the Vietnam era.  After returning home from Korea to Fort Myers, FL, he and his wife started attending Emmanuel Baptist Church.  It was there that he came to see his need for a Savior and accepted Christ into his life and heart.  He was active in the church choir and started the bus ministry there.  In 1973, he came to Tennessee Temple Bible School and University, earning a Graduate of Theology degree and a Bachelor of Science degree.  While attending Highland Park Church under Dr. Lee Roberson, he was one of their bus captains.

After graduation, he taught history and science for a while and then felt led to get certified as a Drug Rehabilitation Counselor.  His kindness and compassion and yet firm professional personality allowed him to fulfill this role.  He also served as Staff and Client Chaplain during his 11 years as a counselor at a clinic in North Georgia.  Ken was a lover of God's creation and all His creatures, especially the birds.  He was frequently found in his wood working shop working on the latest design of a bird house that he would create to give to someone "special."

He was an active member of Lakewood Baptist Church at Harrison, TN for close to 30 years.  While there, he served as Training Union Director and member of the choir until moving to Summerville, GA.  There, he and his wife became charter members of the New Haven Baptist Church.  He was a member of the choir and served on the missionary committee until his illness prevented him from doing so.  He was a man that was known for his prayers and his love for his wife and two sons, Andrew and Daniel.  He brought honor to his God, his country, and his family.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dedra Strickland; two sons, Kenneth Andrew Strickland and Daniel Hugh Strickland, both of Chattanooga, TN; a sister, Joan Day, of Thomasville, GA; and one grandchild, KaeDee Joy Alayna Strickland.

Funeral services for Mr. Strickland will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2016, from the New Haven Baptist Church with Rev. Brent Madaris officiating.  Pallbearers will be James Evans, Bob Josephson, Mike Gaskin, Clyde Henry, and Blake Hughes.  Interment will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Mr. Strickland will be in state at New Haven Baptist Church and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the New Haven Baptist Church Missionary Fund.

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