Forrest Wayne Strickler, 86, passed away at his residence during the evening hours on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, following an extended illness. He was surrounded by his beloved family. Forrest was born on September 23, 1932 in Kingsport, Tennessee to the late James Jasper & Sara Kate (Cain) Strickler. Forrest married the love of his life, Frances Manilla (Fields) Strickler, on July 2, 1955.
Forrest was the owner and operator of Strickler Excavating for over 50 years. He has been a dedicated member of Emory United Methodist Church his entire life. He was a member of the Kingsport Masonic Lodge No. 688 and the Liberty Chapter #198 Order of Eastern Star. In his spare time, he enjoyed farming and spending time with his family and friends. He also loved watching his granddaughter, Taylor (the light of his life), show her Tennessee Walking horses. Forrest was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend; he will be greaty missed.
In addition to his parents, Forrest was preceded in death by his sister, Beatrice Elmore; and three brothers, Jasper, J.W., and Charles Strickler.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 63 years, Frances Strickler; son, Kelly Wayne Strickler & wife Teresa; granddaughter, Taylor Strickler; two brothers, Alvin & wife Iva and Clarence & wife Helen Strickler; three sisters, Bernice Holt, Betty Davenport, and Charlsie Poore & husband Tommy; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, December 21, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Tallent and Pastor Randall Wright officiating.
Forrest will be laid to rest on Saturday, December 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. in the Garden of Apostles at East Lawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be David Strickler, Jackie Strickler, Joey Strickler, Jeff Strickler, Mark Strickler, Freddy Davenport, Gary Fields, Chuck Lister, and Joey McCurry.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the Strickler family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Strickler family.
