William ""Billy" Ross Strickland

Billy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marcia Adair Strickland, his sister Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Meinholz, daughters Martha Katherine “Katie” Robinson (John Law III), Tanner Adair Strickland Lenart (Joshua), Mary Virginia “Mivvi” Rust (John), as well as grandchildren John Law “Jay” Robinson IV, William Blair Robinson, Carly Adair Rust, Virginia Elaine “Laney” Rust, William Harrison “Billy” Rust, John Watkins “Johnny” Rust, and Cora Edd “Eddy” Strickland Lenart. He was preceded in death by his brother John Bedford Strickland, Jr.

Billy was born on November 16, 1948, in Birmingham, Alabama to John Bedford Strickland and Dorothy Louise Goodwin Strickland. He spent his formative years in East Lake where he attended Banks High School. In 1966, Billy enrolled at The University of Alabama where he played football for Bear Bryant. He graduated in 1970.

After college, Billy took a job with City Federal Bank in Birmingham. It was during this time that he met Marcia on a blind date. It was a success, and they married on January 6, 1973.

After a brief time in New Orleans, Marcia, Billy and the girls moved to Hinsdale, Illinois where he worked at the Chicago Board of Trade. The family spent several years in Hinsdale where they made countless memories and lifelong friends.

In 1989, the Strickland family moved back home to Birmingham where Billy became the southern region Vice President of the scrap metal brokerage company, Erman-Howell. In 1991, he launched his own company, Strickland Trading, Inc. to broker scrap metal into various steel mills and foundries around the country. Over the last 34 years, Strickland Trading has become one of the largest scrap metal brokerages in the country and currently employs over 40 people under multiple subsidiaries, that include global non-ferrous trading, physical scrap yards, a financing arm, a railcar division, and a trucking division.

Billy ran the company with the highest integrity and that stood out in an industry where integrity is not always the highest priority. His generosity ran deep within the walls of Strickland Trading. He made sure all of his traders had an opportunity to buy into the company and become his partners as well as lifelong friends.

Billy had a lifetime passion for flying and was happiest when he was in the air. He was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. His flight group included Evan Zeiger, Wes Stowers, and Jim Thompson. The four performed in numerous veteran’s events and fundraisers. It was a special day when Billy was able to fly his P-51 Warbird “Ain’t Misbehavin” to reunite with its original World War II pilot Jesse Frey.

Billy was a believer in Christ and a longtime member of Faith Presbyterian Church. His faith was expressed through helping others. He was involved with several nonprofits, but his true passion was anonymously helping individuals and families. From transporting families for medical reasons to giving funds to college students, waitstaff, and gas station attendants. If he saw an opportunity to help someone in need, he did it.

Services will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church on Wednesday May 7th. Visitation will begin at 2:00, with the funeral immediately following at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Billy’s honor to Banks Academy. www.banksacademy.org