JAMES MAX STRICKLAND

SYLVANIA, GEORGIA

JAMES M. STRICKLAND 

     Sylvania – James Max Strickland of Sylvania, GA, age 73, husband of Kay Strickland, passed away Monday evening, September 26, 2022, at his residence. He was a native of Royston, Georgia, but had family ties in Screven County. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1973. He began his work in funeral service when he was 15 years old, working for Hall Funeral Home in Royston, GA. He later worked at several funeral homes in the Atlanta, GA area before moving to Screven County. He and Ronnie Waters opened Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home in November of 1981. The business was sold in early 1992, James remained a funeral director and manager. James had over 58 years of experience in the funeral home business. He became coroner of Screven County in 1990 and served until 2022. He was kind, considerate, and caring to all people he met.

     James was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristan Strickland Smoak; parents, Max Kutz Strickland and Cassie Elise Strickland; mother-in-law, Bernice W. Griner and several aunts and uncles.

     He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kay Strickland; grandsons, Kameron Max Smoak and Tanner Kaiden Smoak, all of Sylvania GA; several aunts and uncles; and several special nieces and nephews.

     James was a member of the Rotary International and was a Gideon. He was a faithful member of the McDonald Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including Song leader and Deacon.        

     Visitation will be Wednesday evening, September 28, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home.

     The funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon, September 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Dr. Jack Gatlin assisted by Rev. Bill Kent. Interment to follow at Screven County Memorial Cemetery. 

     Pallbearers: Larry Aaron, William Thomas, Bill Forehand, Chris Waters, Dale Frazier, Kevin Hagan and Keith Smith.

     Honorary Pallbearers: Members of the McDonald Baptist Church, David Exley, Henry Young, Eric Cooper, Dr. Sherma Peter, Beth & Chris Reddick

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