I remember Tom with great fondness from our days at Bethesda Naval Medical Center in the Medical Photography Lab.  Tom was one of my students, and a very adept and professional Medical Photographer.  I remember his Southern wit and humor and, most of all his compassion and love for his wife, his family and his country.  Tom will be missed as one of the "great ones" here on earth, and most assuredly will be one of the "greater ones" in his heavenly home.  God's peace and comfort to Dottie and rest of his family.

To the entire Strickland clan and especially Dottie, very sincere condolences.  You will never know how much you and Tom meant to our family at the right time in our lives.  We are so thankful our paths crossed.  God bless Tom, and all of his loved ones.  

Steve and Kat King, Independence, MO

I first met Tom and Dottie while I was stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam. We were both interested in photography so we had a natural bond.
We went all over Guam on weekends taking photographs. I left Guam for the Navy's Medical Photography School in Bethesda Maryland and Tom and Dottie followed soon after. While at Bethesda Tom's natural leadership abilities became apparent and he was soon the Leading Petty Officer. Tom had a great way of dealing with people and later on he and I photographed weddings. I would show up at the house with my cameras and Tom would be there with the family station wagon ready to go. I had so much fun with Tom that these became the highlight of my week. Later Tom taught basic photography at Montgomery College and he asked me to help him. This was a basic course and Tom had a knack for making new photographers feel great about their work. He would say "Go and pick up your prize" for photographs that he especially liked. Again, I was having so much fun that time became no-existent. After Tom retired and moved to Florida, I could expect three or four calls a year that would last well over an hour. Tom was a great friend to my wife and I and we miss him greatly. Eric and Marty Larson

How heartwarming to read all the beautiful entries on this guest book.  It's been many, many years since we last saw Tom but I can tell from reading this that he was still the Tom was loved.  We will be thinking of all of you and pray that you find comfort in all these great stories.

The Watch

For Twenty years?
This sailor has stood the watch.

While some of us were in our beds at night?,
This sailor stood the watch.

While some of us were at school or work?,
This sailor stood the watch.

Even before some of us were born into this world?
This sailor stood the watch.

When the storm clouds of war were brewing?
This sailor stood the watch.

Many times this sailor would cast an eye ashore?, to see his family standing there?, needing his guidance and help,?
But he still stood the watch.

This sailor stood the watch for Twenty years,?
So that all Americans could sleep safely, each and every night? secure,
Because this sailor stood the watch.

Today we are here to pay our respects as it is said for the final time,?
“Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Thomas Strickland, you stand relieved?,
Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.?
Sailor you stand relieved of duty,  because we have the watch.”

First, on behalf of my entire family, we would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all of your prayers, thoughts and kind words. 

My Grandpa, Thomas Harold Strickland was born on February 8, 1937 in North Carolina.  In high school, his family moved to Florida, he joined the Navy, met my Grandma and raised their family, and eventually retired here in Palmetto.  He is survived by my grandma, Dotty, his three children Tim and his wife Jessica, my mom Jody and dad Tom, and Charlie and his wife Rachel, his seven grandchildren, myself, my brother Michael and sister Libby, Charlie's children Tristan and Kaiya, and Tim's children Jeremy and Breanna.  He is predeceased by his parents Mildred and Arthur, his sister Jody and her husband Owen, and his granddaughter Sydney.

So, today I would like to talk to you about the three things or traits that I have learned from my Gramps. 

The first is the gift of conversation.  Sometimes when you describe someone, you might say oh, he was a man a few words, or he was the quiet silent type.   Well, that was not my Grandpa.  As any of you who knew my grandpa know, he loved to talk.  He could and would talk to anyone at anytime about anything.   Over the past week, a lot of people have shared fond memories they have of him on my mom's and uncle's facebook accounts. When reading through the things that people wrote they I found this:  “Tom never met anyone who was a stranger.”  That really stuck with me, because it is true.  He found and made friends where ever he went.   

The next thing I learned from my Grandpa, is what I like to call “go big or go home”.  My grandpa didn't do anything normal or average.  For example, when I was younger Grandpa didn't just put a few lights and Christmas decorations out.  No, he climbed up on the roof and covered the roof with lights to make it look like it snowed, along with a life size wooden Santa, sleigh and reindeer scene,  all hand made.    He would work for weeks leading up to Christmas decorating packages with wrapping paper and intricate little ribbons.  And oh, would he make things.  So, I've always wanted to be a teacher, and when I was 10, I really wanted a desk… because all teachers need a desk.  Instead of going out and buying your run of the mill desk that any 10 year old would have been happy with, he hand made me one, complete with the roll down cover.  I can remember when I moved into my first apartment after college, I went thrift shopping for a coffee table.  I found one that needed a little work so, naturally, I took it over to grandpa's house for a little project… 3 coats of stain, 2 coats of lacquer and 25 ceramic tiles later, I had a designer table.  Recently for Christmas we got him one of those architect lego models of the white house, and when I went over to their house a couple of days later, there was my grandpa, at the dining room table with all the tiny pieces sorted by color and by size, tweezers and this headset reading glasses on putting it together.  You see, when my grandpa did something, it was never mediocre or ordinary.  It was always extraordinary.  

Finally, my Grandpa taught me how to love passionately.   When he loved something, he loved it with his whole heart.
Palmetto High School- this began when my mom and uncles attended PHS, but didn't stop when they graduated.  He continued on as he was the school photographer and a lifetime season ticket holder.  Continuing to go to football games every season.   They even had Tom Strickland Day at the high school.  
Tony Stewart- he watched every race and would even wear his Tony Stewart t-shirts, hats and pajamas. 
The Navy.  Grandpa devoted 20 years of service to the Navy where he was a Medical photographer.  His service in the Navy took his family to Virginia, Guam, and Maryland.  He always talked fondly about his time in the military and was honored having the opportunity to serve the country he loved. 
His dogs.  His most beloved dog was Patriot and they were always together.  Pate would go everywhere Grandpa, usually riding shotgun in the little Suzuki.  Grandpa and Pate would drive me to school every day, Grandpa and Pate in the front, me in the back.  At the end of the day, in the front of the line, there they would be, Grandpa driving and Pate in the front seat, waiting to take me home.  Grandpa would even get up from the dinner table to make Patriot his food, literally, he would cook him a meal.  
My grandma.   They met just two weeks before they got engaged.  This September, they would be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.  While I am sure it wasn't always easy, their love was always unwavering.  Through all of the heart issues he had, I truly believe that it was his love for my Grandma that kept his heart beating.
And finally, his children and grandchildren.  He loved us with his whole heart.  He was always there to cheer us on and was always our biggest fan.  It didn't matter what whether we were telling him the good or bad, he had this way of making you feel like you hung the moon.   Although he is no longer with us here on earth, I know he will have a good spot up in heaven and watch down on us all everyday.  He will be waiting for us, and by the time we get there, I am sure he will have a whole new set of stories to tell.  

Until we meet again, Gramps, we'll do our best to make you proud and to keep our trollies on the track.

Jody, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.  God Bless!!

Uncle Tommy has always had that heart to help others...he loved serving our great country, the community and Palmetto high school, and especially his family.  He kept up with all of us through thick and thin, and he had the best gift of making us laugh no matter what!  It's been an honor to be a part of his life and his amazing family(Dotty, Jody, Tim, and Charlie and their families)! 
You all are so much on my heart today.
Much love,
Jeannie

Grandpa will be watching us all, and make sure we keep our trollies on the track.  
Love you.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jody, My thoughts & prayers are with you and your entire family during this most difficult time.  America is a better place due to men like your father who gave so much to keep us safe!  I lit a candle at church for your Dad today.

Tom was always a great father in law. Remembering when I first met Tim's parents they welcomed me with open arms. He was always so funny with his nick names of all of us in his family..Mine hoot 'n' nanny. Still don't know what it means:) We will always love and miss his humor:)

Mr. Strickland was a kind and talented man. He faithfully photographed our sports throughout my high school years with a smile and with style. He and his family opened up their home to me and others many times to get ready for games and generously supported us with food and fun. It was an honor to be a part of his life. May 
God be with the Strickland family during this time of loss. 
 Sincerely, Lisa (Godfrey) Linton

Sammy and I are so glad we got to see Tom at the Staley family reunion 2 weeks ago.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy & family.

Tom Strickland was loved and respected by the Palmetto High community for many, many years. I had the pleasure of his friendship and his family's  when I taught at Palmetto High from 1981-1993. What a wonderful man. My prayers to you all, Elaine Berry-Johnston

So sorry at the loss of TIM"s Dad.  So thankful you guys had your last visit with him not long ago.  My prayers are with the family and many friends that remain here on earth that are missing him.  May God wrap His comforting arms around you all!!

Ashley~ Good thoughts are with you and your family.

My thoughts & prayers are with your family.  Our country is a better place because of men like your dear father  who gave so much to his country. God bless you all through this most difficult time.

The best fathers do more than raise us and nurture us-they teach us. I've know Mr. Strickland's daughter Jody for many years, and, he did a good job with her. His legacy lives in her. My heartfelt sympathy at such a difficult time. God bless the family.

I've had the honor of knowing Mr. Strickland's granddaughter Ashley, since she was a college student at USF.  I know he was, and will always be, proud of her.  His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren. 

Deepest condolences to Mr. Strickland's family.  They remain in my thoughts and prayers.

OBITUARY

Thomas H. Strickland

February 8, 1937 – August 4, 2013

Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park

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