Ralph Strickland

Fayetteville

Ralph Strickland, 84 went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Stedman Church of God of Prophecy, officiating will be Rev. Jim Dickerson, Rev. Donald Baldwin, Rev. Louis Pender, and Pastor James Simmons, Jr.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will received friends on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Stedman Church of God of Prophecy from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The service and the visitation will all take place outside at the church due to COVID.  The service will be livestreamed on Facebook website go to Stedman COGOP.

Ralph was born in Cumberland County to the late, Hosea Franklin Strickland and Ruth Berline Bunnell Strickland.  In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his first wife, Shelby Faircloth Strickland; daughter, Lequita Strickland Smith; son-in-law, Hunter Evans; and his siblings, Joel Strickland, Keith Wood, and Marley Strickland.

Ralph, a long-time Cumberland County businessman, served the community as owner and operated Strickland's Convenient Stores and Grill.  He was famous for his country cooking, Collards, and his secret BBQ sauce.  His love of farming turned into a lifelong passion.  He was happiest when he was on his tractor.  He spent his down time surf fishing along the Outer Banks at Portsmouth Island with family and friends.  His love of fishing has been passed down to several generations which is evident in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Ralph was a devoted Christian who attended Stedman Church of God of Prophecy.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jean Bryant Strickland of the home; children, Elnita Horne & husband, Jerry of Stedman, Jo'Leita Evans of Fayetteville; son, Donnie Strickland of Fayetteville; daughters, Tabatha Nunnery & fiance', Steven Nemeth of Laurinburg, and Amanda Royal of Laurinburg; and a son, Jasper Nunnery of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Brooke Witosky & husband, Mike, Heath Whipple & wife, Kelli, Jerry Wayne "JW" Horne & fiance', Yanis Quinonez, Grey Finger & husband, John, Hunter Evans & wife, Honorable District Court Judge, Caitlin Evans, Andrew Nemeth, Cody Royal, and Chloe Royal; 7 great grandchildren; and son-in-law, Gregory Smith of Fayetteville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to  Stedman Church of God of Prophecy, 5371 NC 210, Stedman, NC  28391 or to a local food bank.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC  28391.