In memory of my longtime friend and comrade Don Strickland. What remains for us to remember him as we experienced him. May he rest in peace.
Helmut Schlecht 

It was an honor to serve with Don on the U.S. Army Parachute Team. He exemplified professionalism every day!

I served with Don in VN (Project Delta) 1965-66. He's in far left side in pic. I'm in left fore ground.

On 28th May 2021, it was our concern to think of our comrade and friend Don, but also to his wife Felly and to her relatives as well.
In particular his wife Felly and her loved ones, but also we, lost a lovable and special man in this earthly life, one year ago, on 28th May 2020. 
Now, what remains, is to remember Don as we experienced him during his lifetime (see picture).


Don and I met at Jake's Bait and tackle shop in St. Cloud Florida over 40 years ago. We became friends and fishing partners. We guided and fished more bass tournaments then I  can count. He was a special friend I highly respected and I know he felt the same about me. We shared our military service memories both good and bad. We often talked about our love for Jesus and how He impacted our lives. My heart felt prayers go out to his wife and family. I will miss Don till I see him again in Heaven.


This picture was taken in 2001 at Rabun Gap.  Don and Phil were best friends at Rabun Gap and this was the first time they had seen each other since 1957.

I went to school with Donnie at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in the 1950's.  Donnie was a great basketball player and he was well liked by his classmates.   He was full of fun and usually had a big smile for all.  He left the school after his junior year when his brother and his future wife, Linda, graduated.  All his friends were sorry to see him leave.  My sympathy to his family and friends and I will hold them in my prayers for comfort. 

When I first arrived for duty in Germany, I found out where the 7th Army Team Headquarters was and that is where I first met Don Strickland. He was 1st Sgt and after reviewing my logbook he gave me a job on the team. From that day on, every time I saw him, I told him I owed him loyalty because he gave me the best job in Germany... He was easy to be loyal to, because, he was a straight-up soldier and person. Later on in our careers, he was also the 1st Sgt for a couple of years during my time on the Golden Knights. You hear the words Duty - Honor - Country, and this guy portrayed every bit of that saying...


Don was extremely popular and a valued member of the United States Army Parachute Team--the Golden Knights.  As we all are getting older it seems like each year, we are losing our valued senior members of the Golden Knights Alumni.  Don will be missed by all, for he was well thought of by both  current Team members and the Alumni. May he rest in peace.

Bruce Wicks
Colonel (Ret), USA
Former Golden Knights Commander

Great guy, great 1SG - Am greatly surprised and saddened - I always thought Don was invincible !!

Dear Felicia and family,
My heart goes out to each of you during this difficult time.  Saying goodbye to a friend like Don is another very hard one.  I remember Don from Ft. Bragg, and again moving to the Tampa area.  I know how much he loved to Bass fish and play golf...and I believe he has a lot of very special friends from the Army Team that welcomed him home again.  My heartfelt sympathy for this loss.  I know how it feels having gone through it very recently.  Sending hugs your way 
Love to all,
Jan Dunlap

Don was an outstanding soldier and Golden Knight. I was privileged to serve with him.

Sad to hear Don has passed away.  He was a great friend as well as my 1st Sgt on the 7th Army Parachute Team in Germany and later as the 1st Sgt on the Golden Knights.   He taught me a great deal about parachuting, soldiering, and being a better person.  Don was very competitive in everything he did, parachuting , fishing, and even playing Cardinal Puff in German (beer drinking game).   Rest In Peace Don.


I arrived on the team when you were about to leave for the 7th army team in Germany in '69. Our mutual friend and teamie, Bill Wilkinson shared this funny story regarding a stroll on the beach with his wife one night.  She looked at the full moon and said, "Oh Don, just look at that moon, isn't it romantic?" To which Don replied, "Boy I bet the fish are biting tonight".  
Besides being a world class skydiver, Don was an avid fisherman, and one hell of a nice guy.
God-speed Golden Knight.  You were an inspiration to all of us who followed you.
Rick Young USAPT '69-70.

In time your grief will pass;
The memories are yours to keep
Forever
Blue skies, Don

May the Lord give you peace and comfort during this time of loss.
May He also grant you Joy and Happiness in the celebration of life of Don.
A great husband, a great father and grandfather and a great friend to so many.
Our Prayers and Blessings to you all!!


Tom Bennion informed me that our common friend and loyal comrade Don Strickland passed away on 28th May 2020. I mourn with his wife Felicidad over the loss of a world wide recognized and lovable man.
I met Don before decades of years. During all these years I respected him as a great person, a great friend and a loyal comrade. Don is now redeemed from suffering and pain
In my thoughts with his wife Felly and the family I remain with cordial greetings Helmut Schlecht, former Cdr GAPT


To all of Don's family, we hope that our lord brings you and your family the much needed peace during this sad time. In the 52+ years that i have known Don he has shared with me his knowledge of competitive parachuting, his love for a good bass fishing tournament, his devotion for family as well as his unequaled passion for his church and God. He was a good soldier and a loyal friend. I know where he has gone -Rest In Peace- Most Sincerely, Tom & Linda Bennion Hope Mills, NC

OBITUARY

Donald Franklin Strickland

August 29, 1940 – May 28, 2020

Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory

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