Rudy Strickland 89, of Crestview, Florida passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2023. Rudy was born on February 15, 1934, in Laurel Hill, Florida to Caro and Cossetta Strickland. He was a lifelong resident of Okaloosa County and a 1958 graduate of Crestview High School. After graduation, Rudy proudly enlisted in the United States Army where he served our country honorably. During the Korean Conflict he spent sixteen months on the 38th parallel.
Rudy had a rewarding career with the Florida Department of Transportation retiring after thirty years of dedication. He was a faithful member of Auburn Pentecostal Church where he taught Sunday school for over thirty years and served as a senior church elder.
Rudy is preceded in death by his parents, Caro and Cossetta Strickland, two sons, William Reginald “Reggie” Strickland and Walter Ray Strickland and all of his siblings.
Rudy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley Sanders Strickland, his grandchildren, Jacob Strickland and Zach Strickland and his great grandson, Colby.
The Strickland Family, (especially Jacob and Mother of Jacob, Lisa Strickland-Paul) would like to give a special Thank You to Diane Raybon, for her time and unconditional care that she so graciously gave Rudy. She is loved and considered part of our family who has a genuine place in our hearts.
A funeral will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 beginning at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Brackney Funeral Service with Pastor Ron Williamson officiating. Burial to follow at Almarante Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
You can share memories and offer condolences at http://www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Jim & joyce White
October 19, 2023, 4:15 pm
Brother Rudy, Jim & i will miss u terribly. Your prayers, words of spiritual guidance over the years have lifted us from the valley to the mountain top. You were truly a mentor to us all and your teachings will remain with us. Sympathy to the family.
Jackie Harris
October 19, 2023, 11:51 pm
Love and Prayers from Jackie Harris. To know Bro Strickland was to love and respect him. He was such an inspiration. He probably has many jewels in his crown. And he’ll gladly lay them all at the feet of Jesus.
Pastor Ron Williamson
October 20, 2023, 2:21 pm
May God our Father comfort the family of Elder Strickland. Bro. Rudy was an exemplary ambassador for Jesus Christ. The entire congregation of the Auburn Pentecostal Church is saddened by our loss of this wonderful and loving mentor and true friend. May Jesus bless his memory forever!
Janice Harrison
October 20, 2023, 6:31 pm
I am sorry for your loss. Rudy was a fine man. Worked with him for many years.
Mack and Alice Sanders
October 23, 2023, 1:04 am
Alice and I send our love and prayers to Shirley and the Strickland family. We are sorry we did not get to attend the visitation and home going of Rudy. He sure made my cousin ( Shirley ) a great husband. I have known Rudy since I was a young age He was a good Christian man and lived and loved well, even through the trying times of his life. He certainly will be missed. God bless !