Edward Cecil Strickland

Edward Cecil Strickland was born August 4, 1937 to John & Margaret Strickland in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. He was the 9th of 10 children raised in Gordo, Alabama. He was a 1957 graduate of Gordo High School where he played Football and was the Captain of the Basketball team. Cecil attended Shelton State Technical College where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Bookkeeping in 1959. This is where he met the love of his life, Helen. He said he used to wink across the room at her during their typing class! Cecil has said many times over the years that she has the most beautiful eyes.

Cecil worked for City National Bank, now Regions Bank, climbing the ranks and eventually retiring after 47 years as a Senior Vice President & Commercial Lending Officer. After retirement he worked at Northwest Supply for long time friend, Leon Kemp. He served as a member and volunteer of the Northport Civitan Club for over 40 years.

He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church since 1965, where he served his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, as a Deacon, Treasurer, and Sunday School Teacher for many years.

Cecil loved to tell jokes, stories and make others laugh. He liked hunting, fishing, gardening, as well as, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide .football team and other Alabama teams.

He is preceeded in death by father, John Brinkley Strickland and mother, Margaret Gay Strickland, also brothers, Comer, Price, Muriel, William, Lee, J. C. and sisters, Juanita Bridges and Betty Strickland

He is survived by Helen Smith Strickland, his wife of 65 years of Northport. Daughters, Cathy Whitaker (Steve) of Northport and Rebecca Davis (Bert) of Moundville, Son Michael Strickland of Tuscaloosa. Grandson, Michael Whitaker of Foley, AL. Granddaughters, Caitlyn Whitaker of Tuscaloosa, Abigail Davis and Emily Davis. Sister, Lois Campbell (Sonny) of Gordo, Alabama, Sister-in-law, Vickie Spencer (Kenn) of Coker, Alabama. Special Friend and future grandson in law, Casie Lee. A host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

A visitation for Edward will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Serving as Pallbearers will be nephews: Rodney Anderson, Keith Powell, David R Smith, Ellis Strickland, Steve Wilson, grandson, Michael Whitaker, Casey Lee, Son in Laws, Bert Davis and Steve Whitaker.

Honorary Pallbearers: Members of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Past & Present employees of Regions Bank, Employees of Northwest Supply Co., Neighbors of Smith Acres & Harper Subdivison, Mr. & Mrs. James Shirley, Brad & Becky Karnes, Mamie Dixon, Wade & Shellye Hamner, Lisa Tingle, Southern Care New Beacon Hospice.