John Earl "Pops" Strickland

On Monday, January 17, 2022, John Earl "Pops" Strickland, loving husband and father of five children, passed away at age 60 at home, surrounded by family.

Earl was born on February 25, 1961 in Gastonia, NC to Jerry Willis Strickland Sr and Polly Loretta Fore Strickland. On June 25, 1983, he married Linda Carol Waters. Earl served in the United States Air Force before beginning a 30 year career at Thomas Concrete, Inc.

Earl had a passion for humor and practical jokes, often finding himself the cause of endless laughter. He was an avid fan of Marvel and Star Wars films, collected Groot memorabilia, loved the Carolina Panthers, enjoyed raising horses and off-roading in his Groot themed Jeep Wrangler. He was known for his quick wit, caring personality, and endless love for his grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his mother, Polly, his brother, Tim, and his son, John Earl Strickland Jr.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his four children (Matthew Strickland of Clover SC, Heather Shealey and husband Adam Shealey of Clover SC, Christopher Strickland and wife Courtney Strickland of Clover SC, Adam Strickland of Bakersfield CA), father (Jerry Willis Strickland Sr), brother (Jerry Strickland and wife Pam Strickland of Shelby NC), two sisters (Crystal Sutton of Rock Hill SC and Rhonda Davis of Ft Stewart GA), mother-in-law (Mildred Waters), sister-in-laws (Lynne Strickland and Kim Gray) and five grandchildren (Macie Rose, Aaron Shealey, Aiden Strickland, Connor Strickland, and Aubrey Strickland).

Receiving of friends and family will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the Bethel Freewill Baptist Church on 329 Telegraph Drive, Gastonia, NC at 12:00PM with a service to follow at 1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to provide continued support for Earl and Linda's oldest son with special needs. Donations can be sent to 286 Gateway Farm Road, Clover, SC 29710.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com