Kenneth Brantley Strickland Sr.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida on February 10th, 1938, Kenneth graduated from Robert E. Lee Senior High School in 1956 where he met his future bride, Evelyn Leah Sweat with whom he was reunited in Heaven 14 months after her passing.

Kenneth worked for and served his community by working with his family’s business, Red’s Heating and Air (later, Jack Strickland’s Heating and Air). He was a member of the Florida Air National Guard and worked in a wide range of capacities for The Prudential Insurance Company of America, retiring in 1991 as a Director of Underwriting in the Group Insurance Department. Taking advantage of early retirement, he continued his service in the insurance industry with Cigna Insurance Company in Nashville, Tennessee retiring in 1996.

After a successful career in the insurance industry, Kenneth embarked on his lifelong passion of becoming an ordained pastor. Always a “sermon in shoes “and a testimony wherever he went, he finally realized his dream of becoming the pastor of 103rd Street Baptist Church where he ministered to his congregation and surrounding community for 12 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Brantley (Red) and Margaret Martin Strickland, numerous uncles and cousins, and his beloved wife of 64 years Evelyn Leah Sweat Strickland.

Kenneth Brantley (Skip) Strickland, Sr is survived by his loving sister, Carol Cook (Frank), his adoring children, Kenneth Strickland, Jr. (Holly), Katherine Rodriguez (Elaine), Julie Ferris (Don), and Carol Tompkins (Greg), He leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren to carry on his legacy. He will also be missed by several cousins who were brothers more than cousins, and his dear friend and fishing buddy, Jack Richardson.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Community Hospice of Jacksonville for their excellent care and compassion.

A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard. The public viewing and visitation with the family will be at 11:00 am with the funeral beginning at 12:00 pm, immediately followed by interment at the adjacent Riverside Memorial Park.