Lonnie Strickland (3-2-13)

AUBURN – Lonnie C. Strickland, 94, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, following a brief illness.

He was proud to be a World War II United States Army veteran, having served in the European campaign and was honored in the Dacula Memorial Day Parade for several years. He was a lifelong member of the Harmony Grove United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer for many years. He was a retired farmer, truck driver, and heavy equipment operator, regarded as one of the best around in his day. One of his greatest enjoyments was just being outdoors, whether working in his vegetable garden, flower gardens in his yard of which he was very proud, or planting more fruit bushes. Lonnie was also a member and past Worshipful Master of the Auburn Masonic Lodge #230, and was honored a few years ago with a ceremony recognizing his 50-year membership.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Ruth Wages Strickland; children, Dennis and Gayle Strickland, Auburn, Wayne and Linda Strickland, Flowery Branch, and Karen and B-Bomb Smith, Winder; granddaughters, Paige Born, Charity Lee, and Angie Holland; grandsons, Steve, Rob, Chris, and Jon Strickland, and Jud and Andy Smith; and 22 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was Monday, March 4, in the Memory Chapel of Smith Funeral Home in Winder. Burial was in Gwinnett Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Masonic Children’s Home of Georgia, 1417 Nottingham Dr., Macon, GA 31211, or Peachtree Christian Hospice, 3430 Duluth Park Ln., Duluth, GA 30096, or a charity of your choice.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.