James Strickland (1947 - 2012)

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Biography

James "Terry" Strickland James "Terry" Strickland left for heaven on May 5, 2012, since his remarkable work on earth was completed. He was born in Clay County, AL on May 27, 1947 to Edward and Clara Strickland. His childhood was spent roaming the hills of AL, a memory he cherished all his life. His love of nature and all living creatures was cultivated during that period. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1965 and volunteered for the Air Force in 1966. His training was at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX as a dog handler in the Security Police Force. After completion, he headed for Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos and was assigned to reconnaissance. Many times he and his dog, Mr. Misty, would be dropped by helicopter behind enemy lines to search for caches of the enemy. After many life changing experiences, he returned home in 1970 to begin his college education. After earning an Accounting Degree at Jacksonville College, he later qualified as a Certified Public Accountant. He was employed by a major accounting firm and then by the Veterans Administration as an Auditor and Computer System Manager. Recently one of his greatest thrills was working with the new dog trainees at Lackland. He became a father figure to many of them. A major accomplishment in his life was his work in creating a memorial at Lackland to Nemo, a German shepherd credited with saving his handler's life in Vietnam. The memorial also honors all dogs that served our country in the war. Terry was a man of great integrity and was loved by all. But above all else, Terry loved his family. He enriched their lives beyond belief and for that they will be eternally thankful. He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Linda, daughters Karen Sebastian (Norris), Monica Beck (Allen), grandsons, Dalton and Dylan Ray, granddaughter, Ainsley Beck, sister, Sondra Freeman (James) and Doug Ray. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, TX. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Harrell Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Live Oak Cemetery, Manchaca, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Military Working Dog Team Support Association, Inc., PO Box 5864. Canton, GA 30114 or www.mwdtsa.org

Sources

• http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?pid=157506419