Leonard Strickland Jr.

Leonard, Jr. was born in Jacksonville on August 3, 1930, to Leonard (Buddy) Strickland, Sr., and LaVerne Massey Strickland.

Leonard, Jr. graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1948 and the University of Florida in 1952 with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree. Upon graduation, he was employed by Southern Bell and held various management positions in Southern Bell, AT&T, and BellSouth. He retired from BellSouth in Birmingham, Alabama in 1994 and returned to Jacksonville, Florida.

In 1952, he was commissioned 2nd Lt. in the USAF Reserve and served on active duty in the U. S. Air Force for 3 years. He retired from active USAF Reserve in 1990 at the rank of Major.

During his early years, Leonard enjoyed playing baseball and softball and later in life remained active jogging, walking, and playing golf. Most of all, he enjoyed the numerous family activities over the years.

Leonard was predeceased by his father and sons, Craig Alan Strickland (19) and Michael Reid Strickland (2). He is survived by his spouse Shirley Miller Strickland, son Paul Brian Strickland and his wife Ethel, grandson Martin J. I. Strickland, and his Mother.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 11:00am at Hardage – Giddens, Greenlawn Funeral Home, burial with full military honors will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Rd. #300 Jacksonville, FL 32256

Hardage-Giddens, Greenlawn Funeral Home 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-396-2522 www.Hardage-