Obituary of Steven W. Strickland, Sr.

Columbia--Steven W. Strickland, Sr., 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. He was born in Columbia on August 19, 1951, to the late Ozzie Strickland and Beatrice Brazil Strickland.

Steve met the love of his life, Deloris, in 1970 in Columbia. They quickly wed, and was drafted shortly after to serve in Vietnam at the age of 17. He was awarded a National Defense Ribbon for his service in the war. He retired from Fort Jackson in 2011 after 33 years of civil service as a handyman. 

He particularly enjoyed astronomy, sci-fi movies, and anything to do with airplanes. He was a history buff. He loved special fur babies Winston, Grizzly, and Rufus.

Steve is survived by a daughter, Tammy Gaddis of Columbia; a son Steven Strickland, Jr. (Melanie) of Irmo; grandchildren Autumn Lynch (Zach), Taylor Gaddis (Julia), Summer Martin (Stephen), Xander Strickland, and Wyatt Strickland; and great-grandchildren Luna, Gordan, and Elend Gaddis.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Deloris; a sister, Debbie White; and a son-in-law, Jeff Gaddis.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park is assisting the family with arrangements.