John David Strickland passed away peacefully Monday, November 17, surrounded by his family. He lived his entire life in Brunswick, where he was born on October 21, 1953, to John Perry Strickland and Carol McDowell Strickland.
John was a proud graduate of Brunswick High, and attended Brunswick Junior College before beginning a career at Georgia Pacific, where he worked for 38 years as an electrician, eventually becoming entrusted with learning and training others on new initiatives.
John lived out his faith as a member of Arco Methodist Church, Taylor’s Methodist Church, St. Simons Methodist Church, and The Chapel. He was active in the Walk to Emmaus community, serving on multiple retreats for all ages. In his retirement, he served as pastor to Waverly Methodist Church in Camden. He was active in Kairos prison ministry, and went on mission trips to Honduras and South Africa.
He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, Grandpa and Papa. He always put his family first, attending band concerts, plays, little league games and anything else his children and grandchildren were up to. If anyone needed help, he was there. He enjoyed camping with his wife, Pat, in their 5th wheel. He loved being on the water and fishing in his boat, often taking grandchildren along. He was always happiest with his family, cooking on the grill, camping, and telling mostly true stories around the campfire. He and Pat traveled far and wide to many beautiful sites, including several National Parks, a river cruise in Europe, and an ocean cruise to Alaska.
John is survived by his wife, Pat, children Michael Strickland, Jamie Timmons (J.J), Lori Todd (Mike), and Craig Pope (Ashley), grandchildren Mary, Amy, Tyler, Peyton, Benjamin, and William, sisters Rose Cramer, Diane Sellers (Chuck), and Barbara Bunkley, uncle Joe Strickland, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Chapel on Friday at 10:00am, with a visitation preceding the service beginning at 9:30am. A reception will follow at the Green House on the campus of The Chapel.
