It’s been 4 years now.  I don’t think there is a day that you do not cross my mind.  It may be when I am enjoying something in life that I wish you could have enjoyed or when something breaks and I think Charles could fix that in a minute or he has the tools to do that.  When sadness comes I think  about you accepting Christ as your Savior and told others about it.  So it brings comfort to know you are in heaven along with so many others we love.  I am thankful for Gods unending love, grace and mercy.  I believe God is sovereign and His ways are perfect so when I don’t understand I trust the one who does and that nothing happens outside His will.  The one thing he does not control is our will and choices, so I give thanks for your choice to repent (as we all have to do) and to accept His grace for your life.

Gathering today to share happy and funny memories of you.  I'll share a sweet one.  Mom always said that if I cried that you would climb into the baby bed and console me.  She said that whatever you ate, I ate even if I wasn't old enough to be eating whatever you were eating.  She said that if you needed a new pair of shoes that you were hard to fit and they would go to several stores and when they found a pair that you wouldn't accept them unless they bought me a pair too, which I didn't need and they really didn't have the money for but they had to find me something so you would have shoes that fit! That's who you where as a toddler and little boy.

Charles was my best friend. He was actually my hero in living form. I met him in 2019 at a 3rd shift in the Brentwood waffle house. We became close over the course of a month and a half where he would come at 9pm.. and stay while I worked until about 3 or 4am. Charles is the reason I choose to live for my 2 daughters, whom loved that man dearly as if he was ours. He spoke of many stories, rights and wrongs, and taught me how to turn my wrongdoings upside down. Charles taught me how important childhoods are and he was there everyday giving my two girls, Rylee and Capri, good memories. From swimming at his dad's, to dinners with his family, Charles always included me and them. Charles will forever live on in our hearts. Rylee misses him everyday, she even named her new kitten after him, Charlie Binx. I will cherish the summer we had, the lunch dates and dinner dates, the conversations-never texting because he hated that! I will cherish the Saturdays and Sundays he so selflessly spent with my two girls so I could work. Charles was my angel on earth. He was my girls' person when everyone chose to walk away from them. We miss him every minute but we just know hes dancing in Heaven. Until we meet again.

Charles always had a way of getting you to laugh. In life, you come across a gentle soul whose goal in life was to make you smile and feel special, Charles will always be that person to me. My heart was saddened to hear of his passing. Heaven gained a beautiful soul. Praying for the Strickland family as they reflect and remember. 

“Trouble maker,” that’s the nickname Uncle Charles gave me. He loved to pick on me, probably more than any of his other nieces and nephew. I think it’s because he knew that I could hold my own and pick back at him. While he was not the most affectionate of people, I knew by him picking on me, it was his way of showing that he cared.  I am saddened that he left this world sooner than any of us anticipated but rejoice in the fact that he made the commitment to give his life to Christ before his final days. I can rest knowing that he is with Grandma in Heaven now. I will always think of Uncle Charles on Leap Day because he never stopped trying to get me to believe that was his birthday, even though we all knew it was actually on February 19. I think he was the real trouble maker haha! :)

When I tried to recall a memory of Charlie to write about, I realized there were more to choose from than I had ever realized. Having been born when my my parents were neighbors on Foley I've never known life without my Strickland family, too. Charlie was one of my adopted big brothers.  He showed his affection by picking on you and I certainly got my share when I was around! Even when I was in diapers, he pranked me by squirting water guns down them to convince Betty I was having accidents in my sleep. I'm sure he laughed the many times I had my nose stuck in the hall corner and am certain he did when he realized that I did indeed fit inside the washing machine.

Through the years, Charlie entertained us by taking us to the pool and the movies when he wasn't visiting with us- myself, Sheryl, & Teresa. That took alot of courage because we were always so goofy together. As adults we both realized how much we had in common as middle children. His soft heart always cared how I was handling my troubles. It was nice to not feel so alone in that I knew he had his struggles too. I will always be grateful for him for that.

Charlie will be missed but will forever hold a special place in my heart.  He and mom called each other knotheads. He certainly was a special one. ❤

I will truly mis my Charlie Man and missing him say knot head to me.That was nickname from him. He was a jokester.Always trying to get you. I spanked his but a few times. He loved ridding in my car,I always had loud music and the windows down.Rocking and rolling we were. The Strickland’s and Greens were tied at the waist. I remember takeing all the kids to the pool.Betty watched on,she could not swim. Charlie would cannon ball me and dunk me ,it was returned twice over. When he was takeing Karate he was showing me and I grabbed his foot and set him on his but! I will always remember big smile and laughter. When he did you would follow . He was a blessing to me,like another child.He will be with his most wonderful mother,who cherished him,,with open arms. God is great! Nothing made me happier than to know he accepted he lord as his savior. I pray you go to him for comfort and peace,I know he is always their for us. blessings.

Charles was my younger brother who I loved and cared for.  I remember all of the details of the day he came home with mother and dad.  Charles was a real life Macgyver.  He could fix about anything.  His neighbors loved him and he took real joy in helping repair things, or supplying generators or cutting down trees.  Electronics just seemed to come natural to him.  He would drive a thousand miles to help someone who was broken down or in need.  He was our videographer for our wedding.  My only complaint was I’m not sure he got many shots of me but it seems we had a lot of bridesmaids!  Really we were like many people and no one I knew had a professional video.  We have memories because he enjoyed taking videos.  
Our hearts are broken because he is gone way to soon for us but we believe he left in perfect timing for Gods purposes.  Most importantly he came to a saving personal relationship with Jesus.  Because of his public profession of Christ his eternal destiny is in the Lord and I can just imagine mother saying “where you been Charlie man”.  

Charlie was only 4 yrs old when I first met him. His family lived next door to my Sister and her family then. He was a cute sweet little boy. He had an older brother and a younger sister.  I would always see them when I would come down and visit. Between my Sister’s two at the time and those three, it could be a circus but always fun. Loved them all. 

Charles was my brother-in-law and a kind hearted soul. I believe his love language was service and helping others. In talking to his neighbors and friends about how much he helped them over the years that was confirmation of this. He always enjoyed talking about guns and Ford pickup trucks. I saw him for the last time on that Friday afternoon and told him that if he made it heaven before I do to save me a seat. He said “Okay Danny”. I told him I Loved Him and he told told me he loved me too. Charles will be missed greatly. 

Growing up with the Stickland family was one of the richest childhood blessings. “Charlie” was like a big brother.  Favorite memories include swimming (the dunking), movies, scary stories, and laughter. He  was the best prankster. To this day I love a good prank. Lots of love and many prayers during this hard time. 

There are so many memories I could share because I’ve known you my entire life, you always introduced me as “my little sister”.  We had a lot of fun times growing up. You were always accident prone so I remember a lot of trips to see Dr Lindsay so he could give you stitches.  I remember every Christmas I would beg you to wake me up early after Santa came so we could see what he brought us. You’d wake me up around 3:00 a.m. It was probably the only day of the year you ever woke up early! 

While you’re going to be missed here on earth, I’m at peace knowing that you are in heaven with Our Jesus and Our Mom! 

Charles will be sadly Missed he was  a sweet kind Hearted  person , we was cousin I have many fond memories of him when he came to Knoxville to visit, He could make you laugh just about anything He was a Hard working Man, He loved everyone and will be sadly Missed he is in the Arms of His lovely Mother again , My thoughts and prayers are with his family for days to come  love you all

Charles was such a sweet gentle soul.  Richard got to know him and the family and loved  them all as I do.
Richard reminded me of a funny story when we were visiting one time. Charles pulled a little tiny gun out of his pocket. I immediately said that’s so little what could that do! He replied “It would if you stuck it up their nose “.  
You will be missed my sweet cousin💔

OBITUARY

Charles Edward Strickland

February 19, 1964 – September 24, 2021

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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