Billy Strickland

Billy Wayne Strickland age 62 went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 25, 2010 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 28, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home and services will be held on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Janie Strickland, one son William Wayne Strickland and wife Lisa of Paris, Texas, three daughters Debra Nail and husband Darwynn of China Spring, Denise Woodlock and husband Randy of Speegleville, and Crystal Strickland-Mynar of China Spring and thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother the late Odis and Loraine Strickland of Waco. He leaves behind two brothers Gary Strickland and wife Beverly of Waco, Dan Strickland and wife Barbara of Marquez, two sisters Darlene Cunningham and husband Velton of Waco and Margaret Beheler of Arlington and many wonderful friends and family members.

He was born August 25, 1947 in Waco, Texas. He attended Waco schools before joining the United States Marine Corp in 1965. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served from 1965 to 1967. He took great pride in his service to his country and the Marine Corp. He married the love of his life Janie, in 1968.
In his early career days he worked as a butcher at Safeway in Waco and then went on to work for Mutual of Omaha insurance as a salesman and manager in Paris, Texas. Later he and his wife Janie relocated back to Waco where he spent several years in the used car industry where he loved to “wheel and deal.” He retired due to illness in 2006 and spent countless hours fishing and spending time with his friends and family in addition to being Pawpaw to his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was a member of Old West Cowboy Church in Waco, Texas and loved his church family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Educator Credit Union, c/o Billy Wayne Strickland Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 207028, Waco, Texas 76702.

Visitation

Sunday March 28, 2010 , 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Monday March 29, 2010 , 10:00 a.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel