BENJAMIN CHARLES STRICKLAND
Oct. 30, 1941-Nov. 7, 2015
Benjamin Charles Strickland, funeral director and former mayor of Goldsboro, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 at the age of 74 surrounded by his loving family. Ben lived a life of service to his country and his community. A native of Goldsboro, Ben was the son of the late Robie B. Strickland and Alma Creech Strickland.
Ben Strickland spent his life devoted to his family and his community serving as mayor of Goldsboro from 1973-1979 as well as president of the Goldsboro Jaycees and the Goldsboro Kiwanis Club. Ben was currently a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, where he received his 40-year Legion of Honor Award in October 2015. He was also a member of the Wayne Masonic Lodge #112 A.F. & A.M. and the Wayne Shrine Club.
Most of Ben's service came in the form of a job he loved and helping people in their time of need. He was a man of personal and professional integrity whose passionate work in funeral service made a difference in many lives. As president of Seymour Funeral Home, Ben was able to serve those that were hurting in Goldsboro and its surrounding communities as a partner with Rouse Funeral Home in LaGrange and Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive. A man of strength and compassion, Ben was there for families in their darkest hours.
Ben was a proud graduate of Goldsboro High School class of 1959 and was also a graduate of the Oak Ridge Military Academy class of 1961. He served in the Army Reserves for a period of time before attending the School of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, where he received his degree in funeral service and his start to a career that spanned for over 55 years. Ben also served his community with the Goldsboro Housing Authority, the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club, where he was a former board member and coach.
Ben had attended the First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro, where he taught Sunday school and was currently a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees sharing his love for God. Best known for his sense of humor, Ben was often asked to step in and share at various events. He had a gift for keeping a crowd laughing both professionally and in his personal life. His greatest joy by far was spending time with his wife of 30 years, Diane, and his family. Those of us who knew Ben weep at our loss, laugh with our remembrances, and reflect deeply on how much he meant to us. He made the world a healthier and happier place.
He was the beloved husband to Diane Butts Strickland, loving father of Benjamin Charles Strickland Jr. and wife, Adrienne; Cameron Gray Strickland; Pamela Strickland Jessup and husband, Dr. David B. Jessup; and Stacie Strickland Francisco and husband, Oscar; and the proud Pop and Papa to five grandchildren, Alma Noelle Strickland, Lukas Blackwell Jessup, Delaney Kelsey Jessup, Parker Benjamin Strickland, and Cooper Morris Strickland; and brother of John C. Strickland and wife, Peggy and uncle to John Strickland Jr. and Marc Strickland; and brother of Robie B. Strickland Jr. and wife, Carol. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ann Gray Butts; his special k-9 friend and buddy, Missy; as well as his extended family at Seymour Funeral Home.
In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a grandson, Noah Strickland Jessup and his father-in-law, Donnie Butts.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service celebrating Ben's life at 2 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 11, 2015 in the beautiful sanctuary of St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, with the Rev. James H. Harry and the Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating. Interment will follow in Willowdale Cemetery. Friends will be received on Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro and other times at his home, 600 Country Day Road, Goldsboro.
The Strickland family would like to give a very special thank you to the wonderful staff at Kitty Askins Hospice Center for the love and care they provided for Ben during his final days. Simple words cannot express our gratitude.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in Ben's memory to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, N.C. 27534 or perform an act of kindness for others with Ben in mind as he would do so many times.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on November 9, 2015 1:48 PM