Cleveland C. Strickland, 66, of Ocilla, died Monday, October 26, 2009 at Tift Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services will be held 2 P.M. Wednesday, October 28, at New Valley Grove Cemetery, Irwin County. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Tuesday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.
Mr. Strickland was born August 11, 1943 in Valdosta to the late James and Marian Caudle Strickland. He grew up in Dahlonega, where he attended school and a technical school for photography. He moved to Ocilla a little over three years ago. Mr. Strickland was former owner/operator of Strickland’s Photography in Tifton and a former painting contractor in Valdosta, Tifton and Ocilla. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was of the Methodist faith.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Michele S. & Stevie Walker of Ocilla; grandchildren, Chase Walker and Hannah Walker of Ocilla; stepson, Chad Lewis of Sylvester; brother & sister-in-law, Jimmy & Martha Strickland of Valdosta; sister, Susan Slone of Valdosta as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Sandra Tucci Lewis.
The family requests that memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite animal rescue charity.