Shelby Lee Strickland

Shelby Lee Strickland, age 51, of the Success Community died Sunday, May 6, 2007 in Newton, MS. He was born in Gulfport, raised in Woolmarket and since 1983 had resided in the Success Community. He was a member of Coalville United Methodist Church in Woolmarket. He previously served in the Army National Guard and was employed with International Paper Company as a chemical lab technician. Mr. Strickland was preceded in death by his mother, Velma McQueen Strickland; a sister, Bonnie Strickland; and brother, Carl Strickland. He is survived by his wife, DeLois "Deedy" Little Strickland and son, Joshua Lee Strickland, both of Success; four sisters, JoAnn West of Gulfport, Sandra D'Angelo of Woolmarket, Abby Brauchle and husband, John of Biloxi, and Beverly Myers and husband, Thomas of Cleveland, TN; two brothers, Butch Strickland and his wife, Annie of Corinth, TX and Clyde Strickland and his wife, Pam of Gulfport; his father, Roman "Bob" Strickland of Woolmarket. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Each of whom he loved very much. He leaves so very many, many friends who he loved as he would family, and who love him because of how special he was. Shelby was an honest, sincere, true, forgiving, loving, kind, dependable, and humble man. He was quick to offer whatever he had, including himself, to anyone who needed him and never expected anything in return. His integrity was beyond reproach. He leaves a legacy of true and honest love along with a lesson for everyone. Live everyday as if it was your last. Do what you can, and enjoy every minute. Love those around you and face what life trials come your way head on. He did all of this and more. His slow easy smile and laugh should be a memory none of us ever forget. They were gifts we are only now recognizing. He was such a rare treasure of a man, and will never be forgotten. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the service. Interment will follow at Coalville Cemetery in Woolmarket. The family prefers memorials to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 638, Gulfport, MS 39502 or to Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency, Inc., 12 River Bend Place, Jackson, MS 39232. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.