J.D. Strickland

J.D. Strickland passed away peacefully on January 9th, 2026 at the age of 97 in Garner, NC. He was born in Wayne County on December 2nd, 1928. J.D. was the son of the late Johnie and Ora Powell Strickland of Wayne County. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Julia Mae Thornton Strickland of 64 years. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Strickland and sister, Dorothy Strickland Miller.

He attended Smiths Chapel High School in Wayne County, after which he engaged in farming. J.D. and his beloved wife, Julia T. Strickland and family moved to Raleigh where he began working for the then named Raleigh-Linen Service where he worked until retirement as an engineer over maintenance. He worked for First Citizens Bank as a courier for a period of time. Then after awhile he worked with his son-in-law and daughter until they retired as Summers and Strickland Printing in Garner of which he really enjoyed.

Mr. Strickland is survived by his son, Ronnie (Becky) and daughters, Gail Baker (Jimmy) and Vickie S. Summers (Don); sisters, Loree, Linda, Peggy, Evelyn, and brother, Jennings Strickland; grandchildren, Jimmy Hanson, Tisha Strickland, Kristie Morgan, Justin Summers, Sherry S. Gerrell and Jamie S. Shepard as well as 15 beloved great-grandchildren.

Chick-fil-a was his favorite, every morning he would drive there and eat. Everyone spoiled him rotten and I must agree it was well deserved. J.D. and his family loved camping and made many trips to the mountains and coast. They bought an RV which made the trips more enjoyable for them and the family. They also enjoyed taking tour trips and even went to the west coast and back.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15 from 10 to 11 am with a service following at 11 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner NC 27529. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.