Wayne Franklin Strickland, 104, of Athens, died Monday, April 30, 2018 at Starr Regional Medical Center.
He was a lifelong resident of McMinn County and was a son of the late George Washington and Edith Underdown Strickland. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Alice Irene Armstrong Strickland, a brother L.R. (Hoover) Strickland and a son-in-law Joe R. White.
He was a member of Wesleyanna United Methodist Church, a 75 year member of Etowah Masonic Lodge #653 F&AM, he was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of the Alhambra Shrine Temple. He was a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan (University) College and was associated with L&N Railroad until his retirement. He was a well known farmer in McMinn County.
He is survived by three daughters and one son-in-law, Betty (Ralph) Bookout of Visalia, CA, Mary White of Columbia, and Faye Choat of Englewood; grandchildren, Greg Choat, Kevin (Carman) Choat, Michael White, Travis Choat, Trevor(Donna) Choat, Kelly (Stephen) Brown ; 5 great grandchildren; and one brother G. Kelley Strickland of Athens.
The family would like to express their thanks to special caregivers Beverly and Russell Cooper.
The family will receive friends at Smith Funeral Home Chapel from 9:30-10:30 am, Tuesday, May 8, 2018 followed by a Masonic Service at 10:30 am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. John Crabtree officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be grandsons and Russell Cooper, Robert Buckner, Jerry Armstrong, John Goins, Charlie Armstrong, Dr. Craig Riley, Chester Brannon, and members of the Etowah Masonic Lodge F&AM #653.