Richard Allen Strickland II (Rick), 55, left his Panama City home to his forever home with Jesus on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. He was born on July 8, 1966 in Panama City, FL. He was a 1984 graduate of Mosley High School. Rick served in the United States Army as an Army Airborne Ranger in Germany and loved visiting the Greek islands. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Strickland, his grandparents Loyce and Evelyn Buie Strickland, Milton and Vivian Payton Drake, John and Emmie Spooner Payton, Milton and Flossie Gray Drake, and others that greeted him as he entered Heaven.

He is survived by his mother, Sandra Drake Davis (Curtis); five siblings, Teri Henry (Robert), Payton Davidson, Vivian Eubanks, Evelyn Strickland, Jimmy Strickland and his "adopted into his family son" Carlos Lowe; numerous beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. He is also survived by his very dear friends Maggie Key and Mike Killingsworth.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11 am in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Parker and Pastor Steve Carter officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 am prior to the service. Interment will be held in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Wetumpka, FL (outside of Quincy) on Saturday at 2pm CST.  The address is Pat Thomas Highway at 284 McCall Bridge Rd.  He will be buried by his Granddaddy Drake.

Rick had a big heart and loved to help people.  Actually, his big and loving heart was even bigger than his personality.  He was somewhat a prankster and had his grandfather Drake's wit and sense of humor.  He loved to often quote his grandfathers, Loyce and Milton.  He would brighten many individuals' days by just calling to tell them something funny.  They looked forward to hearing from him so they could laugh.  He was a protector of his sisters and his brother Payton's best friend.  He worked closely with his cousin Jared who also considered him a brother and best friend.

In elementary and middle school, Rick was an outstanding baseball player and was selected to play on All Star teams every year.  In his high school years, he was awarded many swimming honors on the Mosley Swim Team and was offered a swimming scholarship to college.  He was known for his meticulous work habits, specializing in gas installations, line work, and later a self-employed contractor.

In his younger years, he spent many enjoyable afternoons at the Boys Club. Those desiring may make memorial donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Bay County online (bgcbayfl.org), or Boys and Girls Club of Bay County, PO Box 914, Panama City, FL 32402 in memory of Rick Strickland.  Plants/flowers may also be sent as he loved the outdoors.

Pallbearers are Mike Killingsworth, Bobby Thomas, Edgar Thomas, Bobby Lee Thomas, Kirk Lancaster, and Jared Phillips.