Curtis Gary Strickland of Echols County, Georgia passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2011 following a brief illness. Gary was born August 26, 1944 in Valdosta, Georgia to the late Leon Curtis and Rubye Joyce Strickland. Mr. Strickland graduated from Echols County High School and later received a B.S. Degree in Forestry from the University of Georgia. Strickland served in the United States Marine Reserves. He owned and operated Strickland Timber Inc. for many years and was co-owner of G & L Cartridge Recycling. Mr. Strickland served as a deacon and adult Sunday School teacher at Statenville Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Echols County Lions Club and Valdosta South Camp of Gideons International.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Charlotte Brown Strickland; one son and daughter-in-law, Browning and Melanie Strickland; one daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Carl Miller, all of Echols County; three grandchildren, Heather and Ashley Strickland and Sam Miller. Also surviving, sister-in-law, Jennifer Scott and her husband Randy of Kingstree, S.C. and special friends, Gene Walters and Dr. Larry Allen.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 20, 2011 at Statenville Baptist Church. Interment followed at Strickland Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Research Memorial), 2302 Parklake Dr. N.E. Suite 201, Atlanta, GA 30345 or Gideons International, Valdosta South Gideon Camp, P.O. Box 774, Valdosta, GA 31603.