Strickland, Rev. Gordon Harris, Minister Emeritus of First United Methodist Church, Clearwater, died Friday, October 14, 2016 at his residence in Largo. Born July 14, 1920, in Norfolk, VA, to Elbridge and Nellie Brown Strickland, he was a graduate of Florida Southern College and Emory University, where he also received a Masters of Divinity degree. He served as a United Methodist Minister for 46 years in churches throughout Florida, including Oakhurst United Methodist, Seminole. Known for his preaching and ability to grow a church, Pastor Strickland was also a poet, an artist, a lover of classical music, and a competent "Mr. Fix It". His wife, Geraldine (Gerri) preceded him in death. Survivors include his sons, Steve Shepard, Colorado Springs, CO, and Bruce Shepard, Gainesville. Services will take place at First United Methodist Church, 411 Turner Street, Clearwater, at 4 pm, Thursday, October 27. Arrangements under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home, Largo, FL.
