COL. DONALD B. STRICKLAND
Feb. 25, 1931-Nov. 26, 2014
Col. Donald Bennett Strickland, Goldsboro, retired United States Air Force, 83, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Donald was born in Rich Square Feb. 25, 1931, to the late Vernon D. and Effie Baugham Strickland.
He was married to the love of his life, Evelyn Miller Strickland, who preceded him in death Jan. 8, 2006.
Donald was a graduate of Duke University and the School of Law at Duke University.
Donald lived his dream proudly serving as the chief trial judge for the United States Air Force, as well as many other top level assignments in the Office of The Judge Advocate General.
Donald retired as a colonel from the United States Air Force after 25 years of service.
He will always be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor and his combination of legal knowledge, common sense and impeccable judgment. Donald’s valor and skill were recognized with numerous decorations.
Following Donald’s military career, he began working with the District Attorney’s office in Goldsboro and later as an attorney practicing criminal law.
Donald was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and the Rotary Club of Goldsboro.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Jill Beimdiek presiding. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. in Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square with military honors.
Donald is survived by his children, Ben Strickland and wife, Nadine, of Greenville, Kit Strickland and wife, Petra, of Atlanta, Ga., Kathryn Tawes and husband, Andrew, of Cape Hatteras and Diana Strickland of Whitefish, Mo., and nine grandchildren, Bennett Strickland, Drew Tawes, Kate Tawes, Graeme Strickland, Landry Tawes, Megan Strickland, Kirsten Strickland, Jillian Strickland and Tessa Strickland.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sam Strickland.
In recognition of Donald’s service to Rotary and his pursuit for education, the family suggests memorials be given to the C.W. Twiford Scholarship Fund in care of the Rotary Club of Goldsboro, P.O. Box 212, Goldsboro, N.C., 27533.
The family will receive friends Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 28, 2014 1:54 PM