Celebrating the life of . . . . William Roosevelt Strickland
July 18, 1923 - April 2, 2023
Family Gathering: 107 Tremont Street
Thomasville, NC 27360
Public Visitation: April 7, 2023
1-6pm
S.E. Thomas Funeral & Cremation Services
110 Highland Avenue, Thomasville, NC 27360
Family Visitation: April 8, 2023
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church
204 Turner Street, Thomasville, NC 27360
Funeral Services: April 8, 2023
3:30 pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church
204 Turner Street, Thomasville, NC 27360
Obituary
On Wednesday, July 18, 1923, God released an angel named William Roosevelt Strickland to begin his earthly journey. He was born in Thomasville, North Carolina to the late Ernest Strickland and Charity Hunter Strickland. After celebrating 99 years of life, on April 2, 2023, God whispered, “William come home for your eternally rest.”
William received his formal education from Church Street School; graduating with the Class of 1942. On November 25, 1942, William married the love of his life, Alberta Graves Strickland. Shortly afterward on July 1, 1943, he was drafted in United States Army Corps of Engineers. He served as a combat engineer in the 1316th Engineers and saw action in Guam, Tinian and Saipan. During his tenure he received the American Theatre Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star. William also participated in the invasion of Saipan in the Mariana Islands, completing their task World War II ended in 1945. On January 17, 1946, William received an honorable discharge and returned home.
During his working career William held several positions; he worked as a newspaper courier, a painter, an orderly, but his most awarding position was a medical transporter which he held for over 50 years. He really enjoyed talking and caring for his customers. Planted in his faith William was a proud member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he worked faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, Male Chorus member, Finance Department member and Deacon. As a spiritual man, he prayed for his family, customers, and Thomasville “Bulldogs” Football team. Always giving his all William also worked in his community as a Boy Scout leader, a member of American Legion Post 284 and member of Thomasville Recreation Commission.
William was proceeded in death by his parents, wife and a son, James Strickland.
William leaves to cherish fond and precious memories to his daughter, Phyllis (David) Callender of Trinity, NC ; eight grandchildren; Daphne Callender, David Callender II, Deanna Callender, James A. Maxton, Carmella Jackson, Ursula Strickland, Terrell Melton and Lamont Melton; eight great grandchildren and other nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
