Obituary of James Dean Strickland

James Dean Strickland, 51, of West Columbia passed away Friday, July 10, 2020. He was born on October 4, 1968 at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC to James Henry Strickland and Elaine Strickland.

He is a graduate of Holmes Bible College and ordained Pastor. He was an employee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. He attended Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church in West Columbia, SC.

Dean was very active in the Masonic Fraternity. He was a member of Sinclair Lodge No. 154 AFM, Columbia and Newberry York Rite Bodies, Columbia Scottish Rite, Jamil Shriners, Columbia Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and many other Appendant Bodies and Clubs. Dean served in leadership positions in all organizations at the local and state level. He was a brother, friend and mentor to all. His brethren will miss him greatly.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Paula Howell Strickland; his sons James William Strickland (Katie Sue) of Chickasha, OK and Brandon Matthew (Halen) of West Columbia, SC; His grandson Ronin Lucas Strickland; his parents James Henry and Elaine Strickland of West Columbia, SC; his sister Dawn Michelle Strickland of Spartanburg, SC; his niece Casey Montes of Lexington, SC; his great niece Allison Montes of Lexington, SC; and many family and friends who loved him.

A graveside service will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at Southland Memorial Gardens with a Masonic Memorial Service.  James W. Strickland, Brandon Strickland, Richard Valentine, James Stanley, Lance Carpenter, and Dennie Holcomb will serve as pallbearers.  Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington, SC is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jamil Shriners Transportation Fund, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC, 29210 or to the RiteCare Center, 7230 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC, 29209.