Thomas R. Strickland

Thomas Ray Strickland, 83, of Little Rock, went to his heavenly home on Monday, April 25, 2022. He was born June 2, 1938, to the late Wesley Thomas Strickland and Clare Gosnell Strickland. He is survived by his son, David, of Ward, Arkansas and niece, Susie Turner (Bill), of Maumelle, Arkansas. He is also survived by his many "adopted granddaughters" and their families and friends and church family.

He graduated from Mabelvale High School in 1956 and proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Homestead AFB in Florida for much of his time in the service. He really loved that area and talked about it frequently.

He was a faithful member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, singing in the choir, sometimes directing, and greeting people when arriving for church. He was always there early to greet people with a bright and cheerful smile. He had been greatly missed these past few months. Tom also had been a member of New Haven Baptist Church for years before joining Landmark. He has many friends there too.

Tom loved watching Magnum PI (both old and new), Perry Mason, Hallmark movies, cooking shows, fishing shows and nature shows. He liked sitting on his porch watching birds and he was very knowledgeable in all kinds of birds. He loved listening to Doo-Woop and gospel singing, especially quartets, in particular the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. He knew everything about them.

He loved to sing. Oh yes, he loved to sing. He always had a song in his heart and on this tongue. He knew lots of old gospel hymns, many from the Heavenly Highways hymnal. He sang bass mostly when singing in quartets at church. But he could sing the lead part just as well.

He was a Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed wearing his Cubs baseball cap and jacket, even to church. He loved fishing with his lifelong friend, Ray Loetscher. They spent many days fishing and he could hardly wait until he and Ray could go fishing. They were true sportsmen - they usually threw the fish back. They just loved the thrill of catching fish.

He worked with his brother, Louie, at Simplex Motors on Arch Street. They worked on cars and rebuilt engines. Tom didn't really care for newer model cars though. He liked cars with "crank" style windows. He didn't like driving freeways, but preferred to take the backroads. He just said he didn't like to drive fast. He

once was stopped by the police for driving to slow!

Lastly, he really loved girls’ softball and basketball. Although not officially the coach, he was involved with many teams over the years. He was a great supporter and attended games, tournaments, practices and basketball camps. He would go to regional and national tournaments and always had adventures to

relate. Over many years he has had many young ladies "adopt" him as "Grandpa Tom". He was especially proud that he had so many "adopted granddaughters" over the state. But not just the girls, but their parents also would welcome him as part of their family too. Many of his "adopted granddaughters" have grown and have children of their own. They have kept in touch with him and sent him

pictures of their children. He loved showing these pictures to very one. He also had neighbors that called him "Grandpa".

Tom was just an all-around good guy filled with joy, peace and Love. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Memorial Service Tuesday, May 10th at 11:00, Landmark Missionary Baptist

Church, 17201 Arch Street, Little Rock.