Earl Thomas Strickland

Earl Thomas Strickland, 69, of Leland, NC, died Saturday, July 11, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Duplin Co., NC on February 4, 1940, the son of the late William Thomas Strickland and Dorothy Watters. He was preceded in death by a son, Keith Strickland and also a brother, Ray Strickland. Earl was a graduate of New Hanover High School in 1959 and enjoyed Drag Racing. He was member of a successful local country music band for many years called ""The Rounders"". He retired in 2001 from International Paper Company after 35 years of service. Earl accepted Jesus as his personal savior and was baptized at Temple Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC. Surviving is his wife, Joyce Morton Strickland of the home; children, Mike Strickland and wife, Julie, Randy Strickland and wife, Angie, and Austin Strickland, and Jennifer Gurganous and husband, Gene; his wife's children, Duane Coston and Steve Coston and wife, Karen; ten grandchildren; sister, Millie Strickland Madden. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 8:00 pm Tuesday at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel and at other times at the residence of his sister, Millie Strickland Madden, 1509 E. Lakeshore Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel by Pastor Jim Herchenhahn. In lieu of flowers, ones who wish may make memorials to a charity of your choice.