Obituary of Edwin Strickland

MARION, VIRGINIA: EDWIN E. STRICKLAND, age 80, passed away Monday, December 6, 2004 in Richfield Care Center, Salem, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Braund Kelly Strickland and was a member of First United Methodist Church, Marion, Virginia. He was born August 22, 1924 in Goldsboro, North Carolina and was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Strickland served in the Southern Pacific and Northern Atlantic and was a signalman 3rd class. He was a member of the Armed Guard detail to Merchant Marine ships and served on the SS Chapultepec. Mr. Strickland returned to Goldsboro High School and completed his high school degree in 1948, then graduated from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina in 1953 with a degree in Furniture Engineering and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He was a long time employee of American Furniture Company in plant management, moving to Marion, Virginia in 1973. He completed his work career as a consultant for the Baker Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He had a successful second career as a woodcarver and artist, specializing in carving waterfowl, and attended trade shows across the southeast highlands. He was a long standing member of the Marion Rotary Club and an avid golfer. He was a member of the Smyth County Community Hospital Board of Directors and enjoyed membership in Ducks Unlimited. He greatly enjoyed serving both church and community. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Annette Strickland of Roanoke, Virginia, and Thomas and Judy Strickland of Rocky Face, Georgia. One daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Chris Melkus of Ashburn, Virginia. One brother, Jay Strickland of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. One sister, Doris Ambrose of Newark, Delaware. Eight grandchildren, Andrew, Lauren, Gary, Sarah, Hunter, Lilly, Maggie, and Carly. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 10, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Lambert and Rev. Buddy Miller officiating. The body will be taken to the church one hour before the service. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall Piano Fund, 115, S. Church Street, Marion, Virginia 24354.