Sidney N. "Sid" Strickland

Mr. Sidney N. “Sid” Strickland, Sr. age 87 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Southern Senior Living in Douglas, Ga. after an extended illness.      A native of Early County, Mr. Strickland was born on May 21, 1928, the son of Mack and Lucy Jackson Strickland, Sr.  He graduated from Blakely High School and went on to obtain Associate and Bachelors degrees from Middle George College and Georgia Southern College before obtaining Masters and Specialist degrees from The University of Alabama.  He was honored as a college varsity letterman in football, baseball, and track. Mr. Strickland was also a proud United States Air Force veteran and received numerous civil service awards and accolades including a U.S. Defense Medal, Expert Marksman Medal, and American Spirit Medal for being the most outstanding airman in basic training.         The Stricklands moved to Pearson in 1953 and made an indelible mark on the school system and community over the decades to come.  Within the local school system, Mr. Strickland served as teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal. After finishing his career in education, Mr. Strickland worked with Citizens Exchange Bank for a number of years, retiring as its Vice President. Mr. Strickland also farmed and held ownership interests in local radio programming.       Mr. Strickland became a member of the Pearson United Methodist Church in 1955 and served in various leadership roles over the years. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of Church Trustees, Chairman of Finance Committee, and in other positions during his lifetime.     Mr. Strickland’s positive commitments and influences to the community and youth of Atkinson County and beyond, as well as his motivational and inspirational skills, were immeasurable. Over the years, he served as President of the Jaycees, Touchdown Club, and PTA organizations, and he worked as Chairman of the local American Cancer Society. He also held memberships in Georgia Farm Bureau, Tip-Off Club, American Legion, and Ducks Unlimited. Mr. Strickland was also committed to the local community as a member of the Board of Education, Director of the Peoples Bank since l998, Member of the Atkinson County Development Authority, and City of Pearson Industrial Authority. Mr. Strickland continued his devotion to the youth by working with the Boy Scouts, Recreation Department, and Young Farmers.       A diehard University of Alabama football fan, Mr. Strickland was an inspiration to countless young men and women over the years as a mentor, motivator, and source of inspiration. Mr. Strickland was a proud Atkinson County citizen and aimed to find the best in every person and every situation. He was named to the “Personalities of the South,” honoring American leaders, for good reason. He was also quoted in “The New Georgia Guide,” a 1996 University of Georgia publication, saying that Atkinson County was a “diamond in the rough” before commenting on the local community’s positive attributes.  Mr. Strickland’s devotion to Atkinson County and his lasting impact on the future of the county and its citizens will forever be remembered.Survivors include: Wife:  Barbara Strickland of Pearson, Ga.   Son: Sidney N. Strickland, Jr. and wife Lavon of Blakely, Ga. Daughter:  Cynthia Strickland Lewis of Pearson, Ga.   Funeral services for Mr. Strickland were held Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Pearson United Methodist Church with Rev. Evelyn Duvall, Rev. Edward Mathews and Rev. Larry Johnson officiating. Special musical selection “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”was rendered by the attending congregation with Phil Liles accompanying at the piano.  Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was by Phil Liles pianist. The interment followed at 5:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Blakely City Cemetery in Blakely, Ga..   Serving as active pallbearers were:  Ed Bagwell, L. H. James, William White, Tom Morris, Charlie Bray, and Jimmy Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were former ball players of Mr. Strickland.