Demory Braxton Strickland

Stedman

Mr. Demory Braxton Strickland, Jr. (“Brack”/”Bracky”), 68, peacefully left this world on January 27th, 2022, having been surrounded by family and friends. Brack was born on April 14, 1953, in Cumberland County, the eldest son of Myra Ettrice Strickland and Demory Braxton Strickland, Sr. He made his home  and raised his family in the Bethany Community, on the same site where his grandmother once lived. He had two brothers and two sisters; he graduated from Cape Fear High School in 1971 and from Wake Forest University in 1975.

He married the love of his life, Irene Powell on August 8th, 1976[SA1] , and remained a steadfast husband.  After graduating college, Brack and Irene enjoyed their time in Danbury, NC.  Brack had a strong work ethic throughout his life. Several years after moving back to Stedman, His proudest professional achievement was leading his team to opening the Heart & Vascular Center at Cape Fear Valley.

As busy as his professional life was, Brack always put family first. He retired early to spend more time with his family.  Brack loved his wife, parents, siblings, and sons, and showed it to them every chance he had. Brack loved family vacations to the beach, family gatherings on Sundays and around the holidays, and family road trips. He was also proud of his family’s heritage and could often be seen wearing a custom t-shirt that let others know he was a “proud descendant of Micajah Autry”. Brack also reestablished and led Boy Scouts of America Troop 701, serving as its Scoutmaster for many years. Not only was he proud to see all three of his sons achieve the Eagle Scout rank, he was also honored to serve as a mentor to many other Boy Scouts.

Brack enjoyed life and taught others to do the same. As an avid outdoorsman, he loved exploring and camping in state parks—particularly his favorite, Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, NC. A big fan of music, Brack would often be heard singing along to his favorite rock, country, and bluegrass artists— such as Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, and John Hartford—from his beloved Toyota convertible. A history major in college, Brack was also a major Civil War buff.  He loved to visit Civil War sites wherever he could find them. When he did, Brack could often be heard educating the tour guides about obscure moments and figures from Civil War history.

Brack is survived by his wife, Irene Powell Strickland, and his three sons: Andrew Braxton Strickland, and wife Jennifer Cox; Robert McCrary Strickland; and Benjamin Logan Strickland. Brack is also survived by three siblings: his sister Myra Sims and her husband Carl Sims; his sister Sherri Roberts and her husband Maxie Roberts; his brother Tommy Strickland and his wife Suani Strickland; and sister-in-law Sandra Strickland Long. Brack is also survived by nieces and nephews Phillip Sims, Melissa Hannah, Brittany Craven, Abigail Peterson, Colby Strickland, Brian Strickland, Jonathan Strickland, and Kristen Strickland, and several great nieces and nephews. Brack is being reunited with his parents, Ettrice and Demory Sr. and his brother Mike Strickland.

Arrangements are entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, in Stedman. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 1st from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A memorial service will follow, from 3:00 PM  to 4:00 PM.

The family intends to hold a private ceremony at a location of his choosing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Autism Society of North Carolina.