Gary Strickland

Gary Richard Strickland, passed peacefully, on Thursday, May 4 2023, surrounded by family, at Birmingham’s UAB Hospital. His spirit is carried on by his two children, Will Strickland (Riley) and Emma Strickland; his two brothers, William Jerry Strickland (Nancy) and Todd Strickland (Ingrid); his three sisters, Melony Baker (Stephen), Ashley Lightkep (Donnie) and Tracy Stansell (Neal); and many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; as well as a long list of extended family and friends—too many to name, but not forgotten. He was predeceased by his parents, William Jerry Strickland (Bonnie) and Barbara Bryers.

Gary’s family and friends are deeply saddened by his sudden passing. He was 59 years old.

Born on October 1, 1965, in Tuscaloosa, Gary graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School and went on to earn his degree Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Pre-Engineering from RETS Electronic Institute and Calhoun Community College, respectively. He eventually made his way back home to Tuscaloosa, where he worked as a Utilities Manager, at U.S. Steel, for many years. Later, moving to National Mill Maintenance, where he worked as a Service Manager.

You could always find Gary, affectionately known by all as Uncle Gary, scary Gary or simply G, in the woods or out on the water—the outdoors felt like home to him. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, he was bargain shopping with his daughter. He never passed on: the flea market, a good meal, a good nap, or a good deal (particularly the ones at Simmons Outdoors).

Family was the most important thing to Gary, and above all he loved his children. He loved good food and was well known for being a natural Grill Master. Everyone knew he was "THE COOK". He would break out his Rubbermaid box of spices and cooking necessities, and get busy. Family members recall pulling up to the cookout and seeing the smoke rising from the grill, knowing Gary was already at work doing what he loved, cooking with his brothers, family and friends. No one could resist his secret sauce recipe for his grilled chicken or his mouthwatering ribs. His gift for seasoning will never be surpassed, in our books. His kitchen motto was: “The hotter, the better.” We will so miss seeing him, smiling from behind the grill, music playing in his truck, just as happy and easy-going as he could be.

Anyone who knew Gary knew that, after a good meal, they could find him napping in a chair somewhere. He fancied himself a “consummate napper,” and he wasn’t wrong. He never met a place where he couldn’t fall asleep. He was truly one of a kind. He was such a beautiful person, inside and out. He was kind, patient, and deeply caring. To quote his brother, Gary was “good as gold.” We are all so very blessed to have had him in our lives, for whatever length of time we did. He was the truest kind of friend and such a tremendous gift to so many of us. He adored his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all.

Please join us in a Celebration of Life for Gary Strickland, on Sunday, May 28, at 4 PM. We will host the celebration at The Elks Lodge, located at 1313 Fourth Ave N Bessemer, AL. 35020.

We would like to say a special thank you to National Mill Maintenance as well as to all the wonderful caring doctors, nurses, and staff of the UAB Nuero ICU that took such good care of Gary, and to the palliative care team members. All treated him with compassion and dignity, and for that we are grateful.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, that you go out and do an unexpected, unsolicited act of kindness in Gary’s honor. He was such a giver, and we know nothing would make him prouder. He gave so freely, and in doing so he has left behind a legacy, in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, so much greater than anything money could ever buy. We love you Uncle Gary. Until we met again.